Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template included as a guide to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward it each time it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This can help with keeping your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it in or out and can also protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.

It is crucial 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 any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After cutting the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.

The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to completion. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to put it in the case of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap in upvc door cost flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months when you are at work.

If you want to fit a cat flap on your door it is important to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it's important to measure your cat correctly. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Holding the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to get an exact measurement.

Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Position 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 too much noise as it moves back and forward.

You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make fitting a cat flap in a upvc door an enclosure for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.

It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening needs to be and make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a daunting task and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it properly.

To do this you need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indicator point. As a rule of thumb put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to leave or enter.

Once you've determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. You should then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.

Install the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out as it's wanted.

You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even at night).

Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to manage when your cat flap installation comes and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.