Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Take upvc door panel with cat flap of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to come back in if it is left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to allow it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend that you call an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get 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 have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door 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 think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although cat flap in bifold doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut 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 fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once upvc door panel with cat flap is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases, so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform 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 pick It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.