Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to install a cat flap, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten as it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home as it pleases. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and also be able to go back inside when it is trapped outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out, and keep your home safer by letting you know when it has left.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap 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'll install the flap. Then, using cat flap fitters as an indication, cut out the form of your flap on the door with the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to put it in the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always recommend to contact an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is in the house during all seasons when you are at work.
If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door, it is crucial to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any way. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to make an accurate measurement.
Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.
cat flap fitters must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is sitting flush against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to help you if you lack the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to discover how to do this properly.
To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to leave or enter.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. If your kit includes the template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move into and out as it pleases, so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include an example you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to place. If fitting cat flap in upvc door panel have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They can be extremely useful when you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in due to the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.