Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and then 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 encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to allow it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to the end. However, the process can be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in a wide range 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 a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It may seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat 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 hold them in a way that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not arching in any places. 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 have your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to decide where to put the flap. A good tip is to position the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because this will help them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and back.
It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult because you must make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has an outline, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able cut out the template's shape 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 this yourself if you are confident enough to use the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps for screws, then put these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it out or in without holding the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weathers).
You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can affect how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may be equipped with a mounting kit and a template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one by yourself. When cutting, glass cat flap installation near me is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or older cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.