Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then 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 method to allow your pet to move into and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. Full Post can reduce the time you spend letting your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter 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 use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. With the markings as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to the end. However, the process may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it into a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold 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. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Position the flap 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 lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is right against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit includes the template, place it over the door. Use the markings 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 your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to 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 try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to put an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick, it may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in the rain.