Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.

If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat flap fitting near me in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.

However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.

Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest to contact an expert for your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to 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 determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.

You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. You can also read the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it properly.

To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. As a general rule, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.

Once you've determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You should then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap fitters flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to 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 make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.

You can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors with cat flap don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.

The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door, because if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat flap installation cost near me can enter and leave. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.