Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back inside if left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. Repair My Windows And Doors can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is important that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the shape of your flap using a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before attempting to install. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set precisely on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is right against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door 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 try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming 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. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to put the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one by yourself. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful 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. Certain locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.