Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's simple to install with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home as it pleases. double glazing cat flap can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of the flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is right against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident using the jigsaw. Be sure to 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 into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one yourself. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your 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 at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that let you manage when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.