It may seem difficult to set up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet move inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home in order to ensure 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 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 mark as an outline, cut the form of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to finish. However, the process could be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest that you call an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and back.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this properly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. Next, if cat flap fitting has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings 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.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable 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 square or circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to move in and out as it wants so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to install a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and might be outside all day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.