Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to come and go inside and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
cat flap fitting near me is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. You can take a precise 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 the measurement of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and 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.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is placed precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit comes with the template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wishes.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This could affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are very helpful if you're worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to 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, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.