Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your home as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside when it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with a jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at working all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
Firstly, make sure cat flap fitters is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. You can take 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 the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. The best option is to position 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 too much noise as it swings back and forward.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a daunting task so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a general rule you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it features caps for screws, then put these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one yourself. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door, because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.