Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
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 that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
However, it is important that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than 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 middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. upvc door panel cat flap recommend to contact a professional when this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if you are at work all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure upvc door panel cat flap is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold 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. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it's 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 pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is flush against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. If your kit has the template you can place it on the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door when you're confident using the use of a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap at will. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors but it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one on your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in the rain.