Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple by following the correct instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.

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

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, especially in winter. This will cut down on the time you spend letting your cat in or out, and keep your home safe by letting you know when it has left.

It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is taller or smaller than the average.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.

The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to completion. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way the holes are cut. We always suggest to contact an expert when this is your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in any weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.

First, ensure that your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. You can get 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 have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. cat flap fitters near me will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.

You should think about 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 structure. This makes the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.

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 to see where the opening must be and make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is right against the door will also prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it right.

To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to move through the flap with ease and also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.

Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes a template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door If you're comfortable with a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out as it's wanted.

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

Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It may come with its own mounting kit and template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. If not, your cat might not be able use it, and could be outside all day (or at night).

Some cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. The lock can be turned on for entry or exit and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in rainy weather.