Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might appear daunting but it's simple by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet come and go into and out of your house as it wants. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise and also being able to come back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in and can also protect your home by letting you know when it has gone out.
However, it is important 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). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to the end. However, the process could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you are at work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forth.
You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated as you will need to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to see where the opening must be, and also to ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit level to check that the template is sitting right against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can attach it. It's a challenging task so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using a pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Fit 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 the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it all day (and possibly in all weather conditions).
You can fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could be equipped with a mounting kit and template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular and these are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. through wall cat flap are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.