Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to enter. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to come back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat out or in and also make your home safe by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine 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. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, 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 slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that cat flap fitting measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit includes a template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable using the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you'd like it. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than is necessary 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, make sure the hole is located in the right place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.