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Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's easy to do with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included to guide you when drilling.

If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to come and go inside and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in and make your home secure by letting you know when it's left.

However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.

Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. After 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 required.

The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to the end. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.

If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.

First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.

It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.

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 determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.

You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.

The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template 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 can do this yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.

After the hole has been made, 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. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wants so you can let it out and in without to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in any weather).

It is possible to install an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can create one by yourself. When cutting, cat flap fitting near me Repair My Windows And Doors to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).

Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.