Fitting A Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Determine how much to install a cat flap high you would like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet leave and come into and out of your house as it pleases. This will keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside when it gets trapped outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat go in and out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's left.

However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important 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 correct height. If your cat is taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will be installing the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.

The process of fitting 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 the end. However, the process can be slightly more complicated when you have to install it into a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always suggest to contact an expert if this is your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of listening to the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to measure your cat correctly. In the event that you don't, your cat might find it difficult to use.

First, ensure that 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 and not arching in any places. 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 have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide 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 prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and back.

You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit-level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can put it in place. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to learn how to do it properly.

You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. In general you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the stomach for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.

Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be located, mark the position on the door with pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template and replace it with the flap for cats.

If you are installing your cat flap inside a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if are comfortable with 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 your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a basic cat flaps for french doors flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat flap installers near me food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to move in and out as it pleases, so you can let it out or in without having to be there holding the door open to allow it in all day (and likely in all weather conditions).

It is possible to install the flap inside a UPVC door or a glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to create one by yourself. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than necessary hole in your door.

Some cat flaps are available in circular designs, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. These are useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who do not want to go outside in bad weather.