Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area out, sand down 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 to finish the entire job from start to finish. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once doors with cat flap figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will help them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap 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 needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting right against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. As a general rule you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering 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 cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it wishes, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It may come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat might not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you control the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.