It may seem difficult to set up a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet leave and come into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it's essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the 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 their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide 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 with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes 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 the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you want it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it all day (and potentially in any weather).
websites is possible to fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.