Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's easy to do with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right height. If cat flap fitting repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to finish. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always suggest to contact an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before attempting to install. While it may seem a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. 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 you've determined your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
You can fit an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.