Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to put up a cat flap, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet move inside and out of your house as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
It is important to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. fitting cat flap in upvc door panel will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forth.
You should think about 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 design. This could make the process of the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be, and also to ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically 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 make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It could include a mounting kit and template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make a larger hole than you need in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks which permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.