Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in and can ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the form of your flap with the aid of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. We recommend to contact an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside in all weathers when you are at work.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a general rule you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you want it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After cat flap cost are installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.
Fit 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. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can create one yourself. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.