Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on your door, and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take cat flap step of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always suggest to contact a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is especially useful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you work.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that fitting a cat flap in a upvc door measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. 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've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is of the correct 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 see the location where the opening should be and make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit has an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to install an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one yourself. It's important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.