Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark cat flap bifold doors on your door and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then 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 an excellent way to allow your pet to move inside and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and be able to return inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat go in and out and also make your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they are not able to move, and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to determine where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like to cut it. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This lets you let it in and out as it wants.
You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one by yourself. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so 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 essential to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks which permit you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.