Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to come and go inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and will also help protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the form of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck 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 an easy task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the 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 have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be and ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using composite door cat flap -level to ensure that the template is right against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you'd like to cut it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wants, so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw to the point that you make a larger hole than you need in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.