Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to put up the flap for your cat however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on your door, and use the included template to help you drill.

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

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. replacement upvc door panel with cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors can keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's left.

However, it is important that the cat flap is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the height of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.

The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. We always suggest to consult with a professional if this is your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you work.

It is essential to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get an accurate 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's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forward.

You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also a good idea to employ 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 for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.

You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to place the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit has an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.

You can put in your cat flap yourself in an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using the jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become 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 at any time it wishes.

It is possible to put an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it may not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact 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.

Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It may include a mounting kit and a template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one by yourself. It's important to not use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and could be outside all day (or night).

Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be engaged to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in bad weather.