Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and then use the template provided to help you drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.
Measure cat flap installation cost is a wonderful option to let your pet move in and out of your home as it likes. This can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside if it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home safe by letting you know when it's gone.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly 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 entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend to contact an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it in or out. This is particularly useful for those who working all day and your cat has to stay in the waiting room until you come home in any 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. While it may seem a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. 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 determined your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is the proper size.
It is also worth reading through the directions included with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job, so it's recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit includes a template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with using 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 circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in any weather).
It is possible to fit the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it's not as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Depending on the model of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can create one on your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.