Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. cat flap installers near me can also cut down on the amount of time you have to allow it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is crucial that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap with the help of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is essential to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to decide where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps for screws, then put these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it out or in without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).
It is possible to put a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit and template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.