Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting but it's simple by following the correct instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a small kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet leave and come into and out of your home as it pleases. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it into the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always recommend to contact a professional for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at working all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forward.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task should you not have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. After Home Page are installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. 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's wanted.
It is possible to install a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain 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 could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit and template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in the rain.