Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a small kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to move into and out of your house as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. After cutting the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
It is essential to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking 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 flat and not curved against their body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place 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 too much noise when it swings back and forward.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut upvc cat flap door panels 'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.