Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back in if it is left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and also make your home safe by letting you know when it's left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop 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 and the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly 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 especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and 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 and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is flush against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with the template 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 template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without to open the door for it all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to create 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.
cat flap step come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.