Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to allow it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is crucial 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 entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We recommend to contact a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful when your cat is in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. While it may seem a simple operation it is crucial to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll 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. By keeping cat flap in upvc door cost or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is placed properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the use of a 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 circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move in and out as it pleases so you can let it out or in without holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to put a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external 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 whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can copy it to make your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular and these are typically more difficult to fit. 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, the cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.