Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap with the help of a jigsaw. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to completion. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
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 particularly useful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see where the opening must be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It could come with its own mounting kit and template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door, because if it's not, your cat can't use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. cat flap cost is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.