Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out and make your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping 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 to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it on a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We always recommend to contact an expert if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you are at work.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before attempting to install. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can get an accurate 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 the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will help them to get through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and back.
cat flap cost will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting flush against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through 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 how you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit 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 on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it wants.
my latest blog post can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can affect how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to create your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. 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 out in the sun all day (or even night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which allow you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.