Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might appear daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat out or in, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it's gone.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful for those who working all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and back.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
cat flap double glazing can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. In general you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through 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 a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could include a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.