Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, 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 newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it in or out and will also help protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is essential that the cat flap 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 important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure 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.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap with the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the door, 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. However, the process can be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. We always suggest that you call a professional if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can consider the height of the 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 belly for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Then, if your kit has a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. After cat flap bifold doors , you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. 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.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open for it all day (and likely in all weather conditions).
You can install the flap onto an UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include an example you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, the cat can't use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. These are useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.