Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward my company moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to go back inside if left outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it in or out and will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap with a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to the end. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend that you call a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once cat flap fitting have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and back.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
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 must be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the skills or experience to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.