Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a small kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat out or in, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced 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 doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any 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 for the entire task from start to completion. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to contact an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a simple task, but it's important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate 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, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit has the 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 template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using the jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not 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 do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. My Page not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and they are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.