Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to put up a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to 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 reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After cutting the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always suggest that you call an expert for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. cat flap fitting near me is particularly helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine where to place the flap. Position 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 stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is right against the door will also be extremely helpful.
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. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
You can use the height of your 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 approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving 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 all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's installed.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make 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 circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.