Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to come and go into and out of your home whenever it wants. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and will also help protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). cat flap in bifold doors should measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire job from start to the end. However, the process can be slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. 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
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you hire a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to 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 at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door but it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may include a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.