The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height 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 install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap inside the door. After you have cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated if you need to fit it onto the door of a
upvc door panel with cat flap or composite door because these doors come with various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your
cat flap installer's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber
doors with cat flap are all of the same thickness,
upvc cat flap door panels and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
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 opening needs to be, and also to ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you engage a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do this properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in 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 inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like it. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the
cat flaps for french doors through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out and in without to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to 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 install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat flap installation bristol (
Sciencewiki wrote) won't be able to use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat can enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.
