Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home as it likes. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it in or out and will also help ensure your home is secure by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to completion. However, the process may be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We recommend to contact an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can take 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've got your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to determine where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and back.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut cat flap installation 'll need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with 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 that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install 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 top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it wishes.
You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It may include a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as 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 at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that allow you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.