Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it has left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap 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 the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to completion. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend that you call a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you work.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you begin the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it's essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed 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. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of the 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 determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit includes the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. 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 a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without to open the door for it throughout the day (and potentially in any weather).
You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. cat flap install can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can create one by yourself. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create 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 they are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded in the open all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.