Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your home as it pleases. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest to consult with an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. While it may seem a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail can allow you to determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely 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
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do Full Record need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap comfortably and also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure 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, sand the rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.