Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the included template to guide you when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to come back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in and can also keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is important that the flap for 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 essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it's essential to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it without much effort. cat flap install will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task so it's recommended you engage a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
The position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the 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. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than you need in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and may be outside all day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. These are useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in rainy weather.