Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to allow it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to put it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We recommend that you call an expert if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of 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 can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the right 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 determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting right against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do it 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 guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using a Jigsaw. Be cautious 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 circle or square according to the way you want it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once upvc door panel with cat flap fitted has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.