Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets 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 and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap with a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this properly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door when you're confident using a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around 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 leave it open 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 comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door but it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some 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 will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If cat flap insulation doesn't come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's important 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 could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.