Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Find out how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and then use the template included to guide you when drilling.

If you have a kitten who is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to leave and come into and out of your home as it wants. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back inside if left outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to spend letting it out or in. It will also help keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat flap in upvc door panel is taller or less than average.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the contour of the flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.

The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire task from start to completion. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to put it in the case of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. We always suggest that you call an expert if this is your first time working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home regardless of the weather.

If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will be unable to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep them in a position where they cannot move and also make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an accurate measurement.

Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and back.

You will also need to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This can make fitting the flap for your cat more difficult, as you must ensure that the hole is the right size.

You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and make sure that the template is properly placed on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be extremely helpful.

Cut the Flap

You will need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.

You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. 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.

Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with the template, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You will then be able to cut the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap bifold doors flap.

If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this 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 the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place them onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open for it all day (and possibly in all weathers).

You can install an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.

The mounting kit might include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. It is important not to press the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.

Most cat flap fitters near me flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are generally more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).

Certain models of cat flaps have locks which let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.