Fitting A Cat Flap
fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap can appear daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your house as it likes. This will keep your cat flap fitters healthy as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat out or in and also make your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap step - matkafasi.com official website - flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using a jigsaw. 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 finish the entire task from start to completion. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We recommend to consult with a professional for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is essential to measure the right way or your cat may be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. 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, it is time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the upvc cat flap door panels door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included 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. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit includes a template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. 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 on a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it pleases, so you can let it out or in without to open the door for it all day (and likely in all weathers).
You can fit the flap onto 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 a consistent thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that let you regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.