Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.

If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.

It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap fitting flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than average.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the contour of the flap on the door with the help of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.

Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is a bit more challenging if you need to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.

It is important to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will be unable to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will allow you to get an exact measurement.

Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forward.

You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, upvc door panel with cat flap fitted or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.

You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and make sure that the template is set precisely on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door can be extremely helpful.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly.

You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. 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. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and will also make the other cats or neighbours who are snooping a tough time trying to get in or out.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit has a template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open for it all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).

You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be quite as straightforward as fitting one into a timber external door since upvc door panels cat flap and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap's hole and how well the flap fits after installation.

Based on the type of cat flap you select It may be equipped with a mounting kit as well as a template that shows precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include the template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.

Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular, and are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and may be stuck out in the sun all day (or even night).

Some cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.