Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if it is left outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After cutting the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to get an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is right against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitter for this job should you not have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the 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. You will then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. My Home Page can use a jigsaw to 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 try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.
You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and they are generally more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. These are useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. upvc door panel cat flap can also be useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.