Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template provided to help you drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to go back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can also protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the form of your flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to the end. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door it is important to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once cat flap install have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed precisely on the door. fitting a cat flap is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. In general put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit includes a template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. You should 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 inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not 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, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that shows precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and may be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that let you control when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.