The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it pleases. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked 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 helpful for those who work all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can get a precise 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 the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be and also ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a template for paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap has screws 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 to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place cat flap glass door installation near me
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed 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 or in without to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are typically more difficult to place. 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, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.