Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up the flap for your cat however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to come and go into and out of your house as it pleases. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home safe by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. After cutting the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always suggest to consult with a professional for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. 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 hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. cat flap fitting near me 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 avoid the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is flush against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you want it. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it should be able to go in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you control when your cat comes and goes. Continue Reading are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.