Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet move in and out of your house as it pleases. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and will also help ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat 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 measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
Fitting cat flap install should not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always recommend that you call a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement then you can 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 walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forward.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job should you not have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. As a general rule put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap with ease and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using the use of a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wants.
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can make one by yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door, because if it's not, your cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.