Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to go back inside if left outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap 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 put in the flap. With the markings as a guide, take an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. how much to install a cat flap can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We recommend that you call an expert when this is your first experience with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. how much to install a cat flap is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. While it may seem a simple operation it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help 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 should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging task so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how 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 the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It is important not to push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are 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 if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded in the open all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks which allow you to regulate when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.