Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home as it pleases. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if it is left outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in and can protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed 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 as well as the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you 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 put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always suggest that you call an expert for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. 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 on 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 prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although 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 since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You 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 hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough for it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.
Draw fitting a cat flap in a upvc door of the cat flap on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used 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 out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
You can fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that shows you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on the door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.