Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.

If you have a kitten, or a young kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is an excellent way to let your pet leave and come inside and out of your house as it likes. This can help with keeping your cat flap bifold doors healthy by making sure that it gets exercise and also being able to get back in if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to allow it out or in. It will also help keep your home safe by letting you be aware of when it went out.

It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is longer or taller than the normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will be installing the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.

The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire job from start to finish. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors come in different thicknesses, which could affect the way that holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly when you've never dealt 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 helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.

If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can examine the door to determine where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it swings back and forth.

You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall structure. This could make the process of the process of putting in a flap for your cat flap double glazing more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the right size.

It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is flush against the door can prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. It's a challenging task, so it's recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do it properly.

You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a rule of thumb put the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. Your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and will also make other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.

Mark the position of the cat flap (helpful hints) on the door using the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline, place it over the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at each corner. You will then be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Be careful 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 depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.

Place 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 using sticks or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in any weather).

It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the upvc door panels with cat flap doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.

The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not come with a template, you can create one on your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.

Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or night).

Some cat flaps have locks which let you control when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.