Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on your door, and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the form of the flap using a Jigsaw. After cutting the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure 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 tip of their tail will enable you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine where to put 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 avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure 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 locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. cat flap install is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of 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 square or a circle depending on the way you want it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can 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 installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.