Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to move in and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to get back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat out or in, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it's left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of your flap with the help of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult when you have to install it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always suggest that you call an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. cat flap fitters near me is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. 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 have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
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 must be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough for it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. As a general rule put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place 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 front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it wants.
It is possible to fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example you can copy it to create your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If cat flap fitting near me have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and may be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.