Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting but it's simple by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time 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 by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. Once 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 installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. We recommend to consult with a professional for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it right.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use 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 has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out as it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC 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 is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. Home Page can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.