Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to put up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Firstly, determine how high you would like the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template included to help you drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet leave and come in and out of your house as it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to come back in if it is stuck outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat in or out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the mark as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with a jigsaw. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.

The process of fitting 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 finish. The process is a bit more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work.

It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their 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 got the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.

You must think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.

cat flap fitting  can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to employ 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 before you can install it. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.

You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.

Once you have determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using pencil. If your kit includes an outline of paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.

You can install your cat flap yourself in the door made of wood or uPVC if you are confident with the 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 circle according to the way you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is securely secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it pleases so you can let it out and in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in any weather).

It is possible to install an animal flap into an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been installed.

Depending on the model of cat flap you choose It could include a mounting kit and a template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.

Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that are circular, and they are generally more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and may be outside all day (or night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful for those who work 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 sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.