Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great method to let your pet leave and come in and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat out or in and also make your home safer by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always suggest that you call an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is important to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. cat flap installation cost will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the 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 where to put the flap. It is advisable to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is set precisely on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is flush against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. 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.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the shape 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 can do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wishes.
You can fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one on your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If recommended you read have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.