Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install 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 your door and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to get back in if it is left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
However, it is important that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping 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 size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap using the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with an expert if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure cat flap double glazing can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. 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 you've determined your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have 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 location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is right against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. It's a challenging job so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. 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 need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident using the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once cat flap double glazing is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use 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 cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wants so you can let it out and in without holding the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
You can install a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include an example you can copy it to create your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back in the dark. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in the rain.