Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's easy to do with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to move in and out of your house as it likes. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and can protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated if you need to fit it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always recommend to contact a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep 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 take 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 figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. upvc door panel with cat 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 from making a lot noise as it moves back and forward.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using 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 a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. 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.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out or in without to open the door for it all day (and likely in any weather).
You can install a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the right place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.