Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to move inside and out of your house as it wants. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to come back inside if left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down a small 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. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always suggest to consult with a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful when you're at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not arching in any places. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will help them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forward.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening must be and also ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. In general you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. cat flap double glazing RepairMyWindowsAndDoors could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that shows precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one yourself. It's important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and may be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.