Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home as it wants. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. 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 the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help 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 with a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, but it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.