fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat flap can appear daunting but it’s simple with the proper instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it’s at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back inside if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet’s belly height and the entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be slightly more complicated when you have to install it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest that you call an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet’s meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat’s measurements first before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You’ll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate 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 your cat’s measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat’s belly as this will help them to get through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can attach it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
You can use the height of your cat’s or kitten’s stomach as a guide. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the cat’s belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you’ve determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident using a 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 circle or square according to the way you want it. Make sure to take your time and don’t try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it’s not exactly the same as fitting a cat flap in a upvc door it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don’t have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap installation bristol flap you select, it may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It’s important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn’t leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. 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, your cat can’t use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks which let you control when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren’t willing to go out in rainy weather.