Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
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 keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and also be able to return inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's left.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of your flap using the aid of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill cat flap installer near me fixing holes required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. It may seem like a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forth.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to 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 use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening 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 for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap 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. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it features 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 to any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet has become used to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wishes.
It is possible to install the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.