Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward clicking here moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great way to let your pet come and go into and out of your home as it wants. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the position of the flap 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 marks as an outline, cut the form of your flap with the help of a Jigsaw. After window with cat flap cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to completion. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in various thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. more info is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before attempting to install. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This could make the process of fitting the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using the jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's 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 try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and ensure that it's securely fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used 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).
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It could be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. It's important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some 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 right location on your door as if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.