Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat, but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it in or out and can also keep your home safe by letting you know when it's been out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped inside in all weathers while you work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might seem like a simple task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. 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 have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or 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 examine the door to determine where to put the flap. It is advisable to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly because it will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line against the door will prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitting service for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. 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 pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without having to be there to open the door to allow it in all day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it might not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external 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 an enormous impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
cat flap glass door installation near me of cat flap have locks which permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or if 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 bad weather.