Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template as a guide to drill.
If upvc door panel cat flap have a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet move in and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back inside if left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using through wall cat flap as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to the end. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at working all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. While it may seem a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not arching in any places. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to decide where 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 making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is flush against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It's a challenging task so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. 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 will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any 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 go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one yourself. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.