Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on your door, and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If cat flap install have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap with a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. cat flap fitting should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
cat flap install can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be and make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough for it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. In general put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design 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 can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place 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.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap it will be able to come and go at will. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one on your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat can enter and leave. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in the rain.