Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to move into and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and also be able to return inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to let it in or out and will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine 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. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. With glass cat flap installation near me as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. back door with cat flap fitted is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to consult with an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not arching in any places. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and back.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is right against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended that you get help from a professional cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit includes an outline you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting 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 is likely to be able into and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to put a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that will tell precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one by yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.