Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template included as a reference to 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 allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your house as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back in if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.
However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap using the help of a jigsaw. After cutting the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. Info is particularly useful if you are at work all day and your cat is stuck in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.
It is important to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet 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 place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that replacement upvc door panels with cat flap measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to get an accurate measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Place the flap 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 a lot of noise as it moves back and back.
You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have 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 cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap before you can put it in place. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to enter or leave.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. You should then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it wishes.
It is possible to fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. They can be extremely useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.