Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. 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 included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet move inside and out of your house as it likes. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
It is crucial that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always recommend that you call a professional if this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you work.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the 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 have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Position 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 prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forward.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to see the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to do it yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do upvc door panel replacement cat flap , you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without to open the door to allow it in all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
You can install the flap onto an UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could affect the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.