Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up a cat flap, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move inside and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home safe by notifying you when it's left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although his comment is here might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get an accurate 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 figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on 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 move through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and back.
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 are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level 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 have to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one on your own. his comment is here is important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are also some which are circular and these are typically more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.