Fitting a Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating but it's simple to install by following the correct instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on your door and then 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 push it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is exercising as well as being able to come back in if trapped outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat go in and out and make your home safe by notifying you when it's gone.

However, it is important that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through 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 ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can alter the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the shape of your flap using the help of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes that are required.

Fitting a cat flap installer flap should not take longer than two hours. The process is slightly more complicated if you are required to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you work.

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

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to determine an exact measurement.

Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because this will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making lots of noise when it opens and closes.

It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.

It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to determine the position of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is flush against the door will be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you must cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. It can be a difficult task, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to discover how to do it correctly.

To do this, you have to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. As a rule of thumb you should place the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. If your kit has a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install the cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable 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 the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps for screws, then put these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat flap installer food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using sticks or your hand. Once your cat flap in upvc door cost has become accustomed to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted.

You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass cat flap installation near me doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.

The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one yourself. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a larger hole than is necessary in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are also some which are circular, and they are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right location on your door as if it's not, your cat flap installation cost near me won't be able to use it and could be stranded in the open all day (or even at night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. They can be extremely useful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and then coming back in due to the darkness, or if you're at work all day. Certain locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is useful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.