Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to move into and out of your home as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to get back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it in or out and can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Place 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 making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on 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 check that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. similar webpage is the standard height of the stomach for cats. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.