Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's simple with the right instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the included template to help you drill.

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

Measure the Door

A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your house as it pleases. This will keep your cat in good health as it ensures that it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it gets trapped outside during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone.

It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the form of your flap with the help of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.

Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it onto a uPVC or composite door cat flap door since these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend to consult with a professional when this is 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 especially helpful when you're at working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it is crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.

First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your window cat flap in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their 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, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and forward.

You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make the process of putting in a flap for your cat more difficult, as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.

You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door can be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to make a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you get a professional help you if you lack the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to learn how much to install a cat flap to do it correctly.

To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If your kit has the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap fitting flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are confident enough to use 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 your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or with a stick. Once your pet has become comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out as it's wanted.

It is possible to put the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors with cat flap don't have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.

Depending on the model of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can create one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you make a larger hole than necessary in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be stranded outside all day (or even night).

Certain models of cat flaps have locks that allow you to control when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're at work for the entire day. The lock can be engaged to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.