Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to move into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to get back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial 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 to your home to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the 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 guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Position 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 a lot noise as it swings back and forward.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you want it. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If cat flap installer near me have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.