Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure cat flap installers allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if it is left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the form 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 required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always suggest to contact a professional when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forward.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with 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. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using 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 circle or square according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place 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 front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
You can fit an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It may include a mounting kit as well as a template that shows exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular and these are typically more difficult to install. 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, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. cat flap installers can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or older cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.