Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Find out how Info 'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. cat flap fitting near me will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat out or in and make your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After cutting the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't 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 is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring 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 save you from listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. 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 have the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit includes an outline you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it's securely fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one yourself. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.