Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to go back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the form 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 installing the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to the end. However, the process could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it's essential to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be and make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is flush against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this job should you not have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. In general put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with the template, place it over the door. Use cat flap bifold doors on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into 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. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks which let you control the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Some locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.