Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back in if trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and can protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After cutting the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
It is important to first measure your cat before attempting to install. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat 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 place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping cat flap installers measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to decide where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
It is also important 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 are different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
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 needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Next, if your kit includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, 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 cut, carefully place your cat flap into 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 stop draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place 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).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in the rain.