Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting but it's simple by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safer by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial that the flap for 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). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always recommend to consult with an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and back.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see where the opening must be, and also to ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also read the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule, place the cat flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. cat flap installation repairmywindowsanddoors will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit includes the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. 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.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these caps 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 the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it pleases so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.