Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's simple to install with the right instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at belly height). Note this on your door and then use the template included as a guide when drilling.

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

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a wonderful option to allow your pet to come and go into and out of your home as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.

It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of the flap using the help of a Jigsaw. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.

The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it onto the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you are at work.

It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. It might seem like a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. 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 figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and back.

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 structure. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.

It is also worth studying the instructions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to make a hole 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 the help of a professional cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how much to install a cat flap to do this properly.

You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap without difficulty and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. Then, if your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.

You can put in your cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door if you are confident using the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place your cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it features caps for screws, then put them onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then seal any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat flap double glazing through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open for it all day (and potentially in any weather).

It is possible to put an animal flap into a UPVC door or a glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could affect how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.

The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example you can copy it to make your own. It's important to not press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.

Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the right place on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat flap installer near me is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.