Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template included to help you drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to allow your pet to move inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home safer by letting you know when it's left.
It is crucial that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent 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 belly and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap in the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always recommend to contact an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it is crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. In funny post that you don't, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. 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 determine an accurate measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.
You should think about 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 construction and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the correct 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 location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and also ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a daunting task so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it right.
To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If cat flap installation comes with an outline put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door when you're confident using the use of a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to fit a cat flap in the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed.
The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round 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 locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that allow you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some are locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.