Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template provided to help you drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet come and go in and out of your house as it likes. This will keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. 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.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who working all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that cat flap cover for winter measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get an accurate 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 and measurements, you need to look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will help them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forward.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This is a difficult job and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitting service for this job if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. You can also consult the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a general rule put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. You will then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it features screw caps, then push them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.
It is possible to fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select It may come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. When cutting, it's important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks which let you manage the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning in the dark. They are also useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.