Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template as a guideline to drill.
If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it moves 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 help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in and will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to 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 important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap with a jigsaw. After you've cut the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to make an exact measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult since 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 determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is placed properly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make it large enough for it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit includes an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door when you're confident with a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. cat flap in bifold doors will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
It is possible to install the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.