Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install by following the correct instructions. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to move into and out of your house as it likes. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside when it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it's left.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of the flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We recommend to contact an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
It is important to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It might seem like a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put 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. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will help them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed properly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap with ease and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If cat flap in bifold doors are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to walking 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 all day (and likely in any weather).
You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than you need in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.