Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's simple by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to move into and out of your house as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to return inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat go in and out and also make your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat 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). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After cutting the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to the end. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and also make sure 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 bottom of their tail can allow you to determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide where to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly because it will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much 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. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to make it large enough for it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. In general put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. cat flap installation cost will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and seal 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 walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to move 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 all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, 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 won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning in the dark. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.