Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a guide to drill.
If you have a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to enter. Reward cat flap installers when it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at any time. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if left outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it has left.
However, it is essential that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average.
The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap using a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to finish. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. We always suggest that you call an expert for your first experience working with glass.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the 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 the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The flap should be placed 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 quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.
You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it properly.
You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. Then, if your kit has a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and potentially in any weather).
You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
Based on the type of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include an example you can copy it to make your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in the rain.