Fitting a Cat Flap

cat flap installation cost might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and then use the template provided to help you drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to go back in if it is left outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to completion. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. 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 them in a manner that they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forward.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening must be and make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with a jigsaw. Be careful 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 circle depending on the way you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your 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. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to put an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is 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 that permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.