Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it when it goes 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 can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of the flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out 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 installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process could be a bit more difficult when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always suggest to consult with a professional for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you work.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. 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 figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and forward.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. cat flap fitters near me is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is 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 correct position on your door because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left in the open all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks which let you control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.