Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting but it's simple with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it wants. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to come back in if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. After you have cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
cat flap installation is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. 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's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door, because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in rainy weather.