Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home as it likes. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it in or out and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll 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 and not arching in any places. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use 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 located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job so it's recommended you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. upvc door panel with cat flap will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the shape 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 you are confident enough to use a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out and in without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could affect how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're working all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.