Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet leave and come into and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat 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 your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to finish. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape 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've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to 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 pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job if you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. In general you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Be sure to not 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'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one by yourself. Highly recommended Internet page is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.