Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure 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 exercising and also being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat in or out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap using a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process can be slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always recommend that you call a professional for your first experience with glass.
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 helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the base of their tail will allow you to determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. Position 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 prevent the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forward.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do this properly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Be careful 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 circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wants so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weathers).
window with cat flap can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. 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 may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. These are very helpful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.