Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in. It can ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the area, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers while you work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to determine an precise measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement, it's time to look at the door to determine where to put the flap. The best option is to position the flap on the highest point 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 swings back and forward.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits in a straight line against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This is a difficult job and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. upvc door panel with cat flap fitted is also recommended to review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using the use of a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. Once the original source are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it pleases, so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).
It is possible to fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you select It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make a larger hole than you need in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.