Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet come and go into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We recommend that you call a professional when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide 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 with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure that 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 location of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can install it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
cat flap fitters can put in your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it has screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions).
You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit may include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one by yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, your cat can't use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be helpful if you work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.