Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to move in and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat out or in and make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After cutting the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it inside a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is important to get the measurements right. In cat flap installation that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You 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. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and back.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed properly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do 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 the way you want it. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it's securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.
Install 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 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 in a position to move whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out as it wants.
It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one by yourself. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.