Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if it is trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to completion. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. 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 of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their 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 figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is right against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. It can be a difficult job, 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 included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it should be able to go in and out as it wishes so you can let it out and in without holding the door open for it all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. cat flap fitting near me could affect how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It could come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.