Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to let your pet move into and out of your house as it pleases. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to go back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in. It can protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to the end. However, the process may be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always suggest to contact an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may be unable to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any place. 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 have your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated since you have to ensure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a daunting job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If cat flap installer comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Fit 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 through with your hands or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it wants so you can let it out or in without holding the door open for it all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to fit a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It is important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be outside all day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They are also useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.