Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly easy to do with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet come and go inside and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to return inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat out or in and make your home secure by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop 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 belly as well as the doorway of your house in order to ensure that 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.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the contour of the flap using the aid of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to contact an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get 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've got your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this job should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. cat flaps for french doors can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit includes the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can copy it to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that let you manage 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 then coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.