Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on your door and then use the template included to guide you when drilling.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it likes. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is important that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it's essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and back.
You will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be and make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also beneficial 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 need to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. As a general rule put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident using the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once you could try these out is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using 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 wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might 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 crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, the cat can't use it and could be left outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.