Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly easy to do with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it's left.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of the flap with a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with a professional when this is your first time working with glass.
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 particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
It is important to first measure your cat before attempting to install. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. 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've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and back.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If cat flap installers includes the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to put an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one by yourself. It is important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, your cat can't use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. This is useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.