Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet leave and come in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door since 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. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once My Page have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This makes fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Then, if your kit has an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle using a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become used to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wants.
You can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door but it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could affect how 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 might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.