Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward helpful resources passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent way to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult when you have to install it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always recommend to consult with an expert for your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the 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 and not bending in any way. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to determine where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and back.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While helpful resources are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions that come with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. upvc door panel cat flap will allow you to determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting right against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
The position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without to open the door to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might 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 a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one yourself. It is important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and may be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.