Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting, but it is fairly simple 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 use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your home as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to 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 right height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to the end. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can take 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 have your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to decide where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forward.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of fitting a flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task should you not have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat can move through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with the template you can place it on the door. Utilize cat flap bifold doors on the template to drill holes in each corner. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with using 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 the panel into a circle or square according to 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 cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting 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 little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It could come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.