Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's easy to do with the right instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home safe by letting you know when it's gone.
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 essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height 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 where you will be installing the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire task from start to finish. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper 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 allow you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you want it. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit cat flap install
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out and in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It may come with its own mounting kit and a template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.