Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap might appear daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template to guide you when drilling. If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through. Take fitting cat flap in upvc door panel of the door A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and be able to return 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 secure by notifying you when it's gone. It is crucial that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through 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 correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount. The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required. Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first time working with glass. Measure Your Cat You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather. If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your cat may be unable to use. First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can take 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 have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed. You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design 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 studying the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure 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 sits flush against the door. 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. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitting service for this job should you not have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly. You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap with ease and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to enter or leave. Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit has a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap. If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster. After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home. Place the Flap If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather). fitting cat flap in upvc door panel can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed. The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a bigger hole than necessary in your door. Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night). Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.