Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the form of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire job from start to finish. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend that you call an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that upvc door panels with cat flap is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide where to put the flap. Place 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 forward.
It is also important to 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 are different in their overall structure. This can make the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be and ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Then, if upvc door panel cat flap has an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the use of 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 circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could affect the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not 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 make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.