Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. like this can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and be able to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height 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 put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
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 especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit includes a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with using a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it should be able to go in and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.