Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to let your pet move in and out of your home as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back inside if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by 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 correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult when you have to install it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always recommend to consult with a professional if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. cat flap in upvc door cost is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement then you can look at the door to decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This could make the process of fitting a flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will 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. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give 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 the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident with 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 circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out or in without to open the door to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can affect how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It could be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and they are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, your cat can't use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which allow you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.