Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting, but it is fairly simple to install by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a guide to drill.

If you have a small kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it in or out and will also help ensure your home is secure by letting you know when it has gone out.

It is crucial to ensure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down a small amount.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap 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 required.

Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it on a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. We always suggest to contact an expert if this is your first time working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can avoid hours of listening to the pet meow to be let in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat flap installers is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.

If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to measure your cat flap fitters before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to get the measurement right or your pet will 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 make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can take 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've determined your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.

You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door cat flap door, as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the right size.

You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure the template is properly placed on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This is a difficult job 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 skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do it correctly.

You can use the height of your cat flap step's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. Next, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place this over the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. You should then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you want it. Take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent the entry of draughts into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become accustomed to walking through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wishes.

You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's installed.

The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed 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, make sure that the hole is in the right place on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and may be stuck outside the whole day (or night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in rainy weather.