Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass 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 gets exercise and also being able to come back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to let it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process can be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto a uPVC or composite door as these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door it is important to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can get an accurate 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, it's time to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This makes fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you to see the location where the opening should be and also ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line 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 prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you hire a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.
cat flap cost of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you want it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wants so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and template that will tell precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
cat flap installation cost near me come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful 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 don't want to go outside in bad weather.