Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it has left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent 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 as well as the doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated when you have to install it into a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always suggest to contact a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident using the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After official site has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it 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 using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
You can fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.