Fitting a Cat Flap
Author : Blackburn Rush | Published On : 02 Oct 2024
It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template included as a reference to drill.If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process could be a bit more difficult when you have to install it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always suggest that you call a professional if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow to let it in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work most of the day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get an accurate 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 got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forward.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to create a space large enough for 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 if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place it on top of 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.
You can install your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using a Jigsaw. Be sure to 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 depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple 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. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes so you can let it in or out without to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions).
how much to install a cat flap is possible to install an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.