Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may be a bit daunting but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.

If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home as it likes. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's left.

However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.

Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the form of the flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you have cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.

The process of installing a cat flap is not as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to finish. However, the process can be a bit more difficult when you have to install it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We always recommend to consult with a professional for your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful for those who work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.

It is crucial to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet may have difficulty putting it in use.

First, ensure that your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and make sure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any way. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to make an accurate measurement.

Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it swings open and shut.

You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.

You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be placed and ensure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to create a space large enough to accommodate it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.

To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.

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

If you are installing your cat flap in an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are confident enough to use using a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once  cat flap installer near me Repair My Windows And Doors  have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat has become used to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out whenever it wishes.

You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.

The mounting kit might include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one yourself. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and might be outside all day (or night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They are also useful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.