Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to let your pet move in and out of your house as it pleases. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. However, the process can be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although cat flap in upvc door panel are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult as you will need to 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 the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with 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 cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
You can fit the flap onto 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 the same thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a larger hole than you need 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, ensure that the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.