Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to completion. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure 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 ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide 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 walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting 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 position of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb 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. Your cat can move through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit has an outline put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If cat flap installers near me are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering 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 cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wants so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting 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 could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.