Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly easy to do with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet move in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to the end. However, the process may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always recommend to contact a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may 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 will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. cat flap installers near me can take 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've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough for it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you engage a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install 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 on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wants, so you can let it in or out without holding the door open for it all day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which allow you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.