Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet move into and out of your house as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside when it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to allow it out or in. It can protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. 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 these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is 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. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. 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 you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves 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 may differ in their overall design. This can make the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Using cat flap glass door installation near me to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you want it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat 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 and in without having to be there keeping the door open for it all day (and potentially in any weather).
You can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template, you can photocopy it to make 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 these are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.