Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's located at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it moves through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your house as it likes. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It will also help protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap with a jigsaw. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it inside a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can take 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've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forth.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. cat flap fitters near me could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task should you not 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 find out how to do this correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average 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 get inside or out.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with a template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and ensure that it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able into and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in rainy weather.