It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet move into and out of your home as it wants. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to get back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home secure by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After cutting the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. However, the process may be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. 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 measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a rule of thumb you should place the 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 without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit has an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without having to be there to open the door for it all day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to put an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which allow you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.