Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to get back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home secure by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or less than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. cat flap fitters is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking 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 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, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be and make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure 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 about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit has a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This lets you let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
Depending on cat flap installation of cat flap you pick It may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will tell precisely 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 is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.