Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This can keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.
However, it is important that the flap for 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 essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always suggest to consult with an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not arching in any places. 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 your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
cat flap cost near me should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. In general you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external 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 hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat can't use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that let you control when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.