Fitting A Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's easy to do by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a guide to drill.

If you have a young kitten hold the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to go through. Reward the kitten as it passes.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to move into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is exercising and also being able to come back inside if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home safer by letting you know when it's gone.

However, it is important that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.

The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult when you have to install it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is inside during the winter months while you are at work.

If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat may find it very difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat flap insulation in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you've determined your cat flap installers's measurements then you can examine the door to decide where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.

You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This can make the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that the hole is the right size.

It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is flush against the door will be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.

You can consider the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This way, your cat will be able to go through the flap comfortably and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.

Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap in upvc door cost flap.

You can put in your cat flap in upvc door cost flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident using the use of a jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts 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 small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.

You can fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that upvc door panel with cat flap and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out 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 include the template, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.

Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are generally more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in bad weather.