Fitting a Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.

If you have a kitten, or a young kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it passes.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet come and go in and out of your house as it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to allow it in or out and will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.

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 entrance to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.

Then, use  upvc door panel with cat flap fitted -level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Utilizing the marking as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. After you have cut the area out then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.

Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it into the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at working all day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.

It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. Although it might appear to be to be a simple task, it is important to measure the right way or your pet will be unable to use.

First, ensure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.

Once you've determined your cat's measurements and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.

It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.

It is also worth studying the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is in a straight line 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 install it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.

To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.

Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes in each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.

If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if are comfortable with using a jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is securely secured. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hand or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weathers).

You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.

The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.

Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).

Certain models of cat flaps have locks which let you regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These are very helpful in the event that you are worried 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 turned on for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.