Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Mark this point on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.
If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet come and go in and out of your home whenever it wants. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to come back in if trapped outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to allow it out or in. It can keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on the case of a uPVC door or composite one. Read the Full Posting is because these doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert if this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. 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 have difficulty putting it in use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the right size.
It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark out the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is right against the door can be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. It can be a difficult task so it's recommended you get a professional assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good rule of thumb is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. You will 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 an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the use of a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you want it. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into 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 top of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat has become used to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.
You can fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that will tell you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.