Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in. It can protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After cutting the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
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 are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. url can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good guideline is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit has an outline put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be upvc cat flap door panels to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not 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 an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.