Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.
If you have a small kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually push it to enter. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to allow it in or out and can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height 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. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not arching in any places. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to get an exact measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements 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 walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and forward.
You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
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 determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover 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 indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If cat flap installation repairmywindowsanddoors includes a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the use of a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle, depending on how you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install 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 in the front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks 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 lets you let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to put a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, however it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit and a template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in the rain.