Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install a cat flap, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. While it may seem a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure 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 base of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be and make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
upvc door panel with cat flap of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is firmly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it 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 through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger 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 are typically more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful if you're worried 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 used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.