It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet leave and come into and out of your house as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it in or out and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case 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 put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the contour of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of installing 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 may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will help them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the 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 enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it right.
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 about 10-15 centimeters above 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 neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this location on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using the use of a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming 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 of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. just click the up coming internet site can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It may include a mounting kit and a template that shows precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.