Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting, but it is fairly simple with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in. It can also ensure your home is secure by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through 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 proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will put the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to get the measurements right. In the event that you don't, your cat may find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and back.
More about the author will need to think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber 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 of the correct size.
It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you determine where the opening needs to be, and also to ensure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to find out how to do this properly.
To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit has a template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it out and in without having to be there holding the door open for it all day (and possibly in all weathers).
It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could include a mounting kit and template that will show you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't make a larger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are generally more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, your cat can't use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.