Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to allow it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to finish. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can take 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 have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening must be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it right.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you want it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering 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 placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit and a template that shows precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one on your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and may be outside all day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.