Installing a cat flap might appear daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the right instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door, and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through or escaping 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 make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of the flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to contact a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get 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 have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Place 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 stop the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can install it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. In general, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions 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. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, cat flap fitting to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and they are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.