Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to go back in if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. After cutting the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. cat flap in upvc door cost is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with a professional for your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of 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. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be and also ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside 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 mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it wishes.
You can fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.