Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If cat flap in upvc door cost have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of 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 can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it's been out.
It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it into a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. We always recommend to consult with an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially useful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement then you can look at the door to determine where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will help them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting a flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. 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. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. After that, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple 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. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This allows you to let it in and out as it wants.
You can fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat can't use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.