Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home safe by letting you know when it's gone.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the form of your flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to finish. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that cat flap cover for winter is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can take 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've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit has a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.
Install cat flap in bifold doors
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it pleases so you can let it out and in without to open the door for it all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to install the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can copy it to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are also some which 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 correct position on your door, because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.