Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up the flap for your cat but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and can protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap in the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is essential to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It might seem like a simple task, but it's important to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Place cat flap installer near me at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forth.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
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 should be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do this 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. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks 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 the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you want it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto 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.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without to open the door for it all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that let you control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid 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. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.