Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and then use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out and make your home safe by letting you know when it has left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process can be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also stop 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 to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening must be and also ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you hire a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. In general put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit has an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door when you're confident using a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door 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. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure cat flap step 's solidly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into 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 putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out as it wants.
It is possible to install an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night).
Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that let you manage when your cat comes and goes. These are useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.