Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it wants. This can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat out or in, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend to contact an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place 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 stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. cat flap fitting could make the process of fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit has a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you want it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it might not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which allow you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.