Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting however it's actually quite simple with the proper instructions. First, decide how much to install a cat flap high you want the cat flap fitters flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a guide to drill.

If you have a small kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it gets enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it is trapped in the elements during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat in or out and also make your home safe by notifying you when it has left.

However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is 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 use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the form of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.

The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is especially useful if your cat is trapped in the house during all seasons while you work.

It is crucial to measure your cat's measurements first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is crucial to measure the right way or your cat will find it very difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an exact measurement.

Once you have your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forward.

You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template sits flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap (breaking news) you have to cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a daunting job so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. You can also read the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.

To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. As a general rule you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.

The position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. After that, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or upvc door panel with cat flap, it is possible to do it yourself if are comfortable with using a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

After the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flaps for french doors flap in its new home. Make sure it's securely secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is comfortable walking through wall cat flap the flap it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out as it's wanted.

You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden exterior door due to the fact that UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.

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

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

Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.