Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). window cat flap is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to completion. However, the process can be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it inside a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when you're at working all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in all weathers.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a simple task, but it's essential to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wants.
You can install a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can affect how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in the rain.