Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it wants. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if 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. This is where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap inside the door. Once 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 needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We recommend to consult with a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. index is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to get through it without too much effort. cat flap installation cost near me will also stop the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.
upvc door panel replacement cat flap of the cat flap on the door with the 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 the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out and in without holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to put a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.