Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great option to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your home as it wants. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can also ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to finish. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that upvc door panel with cat flap fitted is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to determine where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if your kit has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in any weather).
You can install a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and 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 can't use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that allow you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful when you're worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.