Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's located at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat out or in and make your home safe by letting you know when it has left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We recommend that you call a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be and make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. cat flap in upvc door cost is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit includes a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. 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 force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can install the flap onto an UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.