Fitting a Cat Flap

It can be difficult to set up the flap for your cat, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on the door and then use the template provided as a guideline to drill.

If you have a young kitten, prop the door open very slightly and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move into and out of your home whenever it wants. This can keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside in bad weather. This can reduce the time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is installed correctly to stop your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than the average.

Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the form of the flap inside the door. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes required.

Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because these doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect the way the holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the task, especially in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers when you are at work.

It is crucial to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is essential to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet might find it difficult to use.

First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body, not arching in any places. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an exact measurement.

Once you've determined your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. The best option is to position the flap at the height of your cat's belly as it will allow them to pass through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise when it swings back and forward.

It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall construction, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is right against the door can be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can attach it. This can be a daunting job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also consult the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it properly.

To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.

Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit has a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install the cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Take  cat flap fitting , and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a small amount of cat food in front of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This lets you let it in and out at any time it wants.

You can install an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be exactly the same as fitting one into a wood external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have an enormous impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

Based on the type of cat flap you select It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too hard so that you don't create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.

Some cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure 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 may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).

Some models of cat flap come with locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.