rulepisces4

Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to set up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a guideline to drill.

If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it has left.

It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.

Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.

The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to the end. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest that you call a professional for your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.

It is crucial to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.

First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once cat flap installers repairmywindowsanddoors got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and back.

You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.

It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will be extremely helpful.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.

You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.

The position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit includes the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats.

You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it should be able to go in and out as it wishes so you can let it out and in without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).

You can fit an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.

Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.

Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to access it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).

Some cat flaps have locks which allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.