Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's easy to do with the right 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 baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward cat flap installation moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in. It can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always recommend that you call an expert if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can get 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 have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the cat flap kit to find a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes so you can let it out and in without keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door because the UPVC doors and some 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 will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary 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 fit. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. These are useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.