Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back inside if left outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat out or in and also make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is important 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 the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to finish. However, the process could be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend to consult with a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forward.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. cat flap installer near me will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary 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 usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that let you control when your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.