Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet come and go inside and out of your home as it likes. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back in if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to allow it in or out and will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process could be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We recommend that you call a professional for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to get the measurement right or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a way 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 will enable you to get an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forward.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right 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 allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is right against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you 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. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with the template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You should then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are confident enough to use a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you want it. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively upvc door panel replacement cat flap can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to install a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will show exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one on your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat might not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work 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, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.