Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.
If you have a kitten who is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to walk through. Reward it as it passes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This will keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to return inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of the flap with a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with an expert when this is your first time working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is inside in all weathers while you work.
If repairmywindowsanddoors want to fit a cat flap inside your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you've got your cat's measurement then you can look at the door to determine where to put the flap. The flap should be placed 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 from making too much noise as it moves back and forward.
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 can be very different in their overall design, which can make fitting 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 position of the hole on the door. This will allow you determine where the opening must be, and also to make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door can be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a daunting task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. If your kit includes a template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will 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 the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it features caps for screws, then put these onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in front 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 will be able to move into and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to fit the flap onto an UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It may be equipped with a mounting kit and template that shows you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, 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 you need in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular, and are generally more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.