Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple with the right instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door where you will be installing the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. 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 accurate measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's stomach as this will help them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will also be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come 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 that as an indicator point. In general you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once cat flap in bifold doors 've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit has an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, fitting a cat flap in a upvc door should be able to cut out the shape 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 you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. 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 try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to install an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It is important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and might be outside all day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that let you control the time your cat comes and goes. They can be extremely useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.