Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to come and go inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to get back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the form of your flap using the aid of a jigsaw. After upvc door panel with cat flap have cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when 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 the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with the template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with 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 the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you manage when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are 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 engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.