Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template to help you drill. If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through. Measure the Door A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it's left. It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than average. The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap on the door with a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required. The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before. Measure Your Cat A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather. If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important to measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it difficult to use. Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom. Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth. It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the right size. It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door. Cut the Flap Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. cat flap installation near me www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it right. You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out. Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats. If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster. Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home. Fit the Flap If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants. You can install the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors but it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's installed. Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It could be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door. Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night). Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.