Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to return inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
However, it is important that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem to be a simple task, it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that cat flap fitters measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put 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 from making too much noise as it swings back and back.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this properly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap with ease and also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door 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 it. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open for it all day (and likely in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and they are typically more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in bad weather.