Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to put up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet move into and out of your home as it wants. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always suggest that you call a professional if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is important to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure 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 have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and back.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it right.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit has the template, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, 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 help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once cat flap installers is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit and template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They can be extremely useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Certain 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.