Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside when it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of your flap using the aid of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend that you call an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once cat flap installation in glass doors near me got your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is sitting right against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it 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 replacement upvc door panel with cat flap has an outline put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It could be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.