Fitting A Cat Flap
It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move inside and out of your house as it pleases. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat in or out and also make your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap step flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of the flap with the aid of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process may be a little more complicated if you need to fit it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is set correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional Cat Flap Fitting [Pediascape.Science] service for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to put a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors with cat flap and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat flap installer near me can't use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.