Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting, but it is fairly easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with a jigsaw. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent 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 the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap 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 all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This can make fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to put the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit has a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your 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 comfortable with the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If cat flap fitting near me has caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to fit the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to make your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so 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 these are usually more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or older cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.