Fitting A Cat Flap

fitting a cat flap (click through the next page) can seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple with the right instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at the belly height). Note this on the door and use the template provided as a guideline to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to walk through. Reward it when it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet move inside and out of your home whenever it likes. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is getting enough exercise and will also allow it to go back inside when it gets trapped in the elements during bad weather. This can reduce the time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.

It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine your pet's belly height and the doorway of your house in order to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is smaller or taller than the average.

Then, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are needed.

The process of fitting a cat flap step flap isn't as difficult as you may think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to completion. However, the process may be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are inserted into. We recommend to consult with a professional if this is your first time working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in all weathers.

If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is important to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not bending in any way. 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 got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forth.

You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the upvc door panels cat flap door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.

Cut the Flap

You will need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the expertise or knowledge to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to learn how much to install a cat flap to do it correctly.

To do this you need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. In general, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than 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 it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.

Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit has a template for paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install your cat flap yourself in a wood or uPVC door when you're confident using the jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut into any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a 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 made, carefully fit the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat flap fitters food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wants.

You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.

Depending on the type of cat flap you pick It may include a mounting kit and template that will tell exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can make one yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is located in the correct spot on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.