Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included 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 the kitten every time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent method to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your home as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to allow it out or in. It can protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap in 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.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. 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 have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much 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 a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This makes the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. cat flap installer can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants, so you can let it in or out without holding the door open for it all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that shows precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks which allow you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.