Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple with the right instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to enter. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet move inside and out of your home as it likes. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in. It can protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
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. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to completion. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We recommend that you call a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial 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 before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. 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 where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. Recommended Browsing will also avoid the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions 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. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open for it all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one by yourself. It's important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.