Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple by following the correct instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template included as a reference to drill.

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

Measure the Door

A cat flap is an excellent method to allow your pet to move in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This can keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you need to let it out or in and will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap using the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.

The installation of a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated when you have to install it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass cat flap installation near me before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it in or out. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may have difficulty putting it in use.

First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail can allow you to determine an exact measurement.

Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.

You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the upvc door panels with cat flap door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap step flap more difficult because you must ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

It is also worth studying the instructions that come with the double glazing cat flap flap kit to find an outline of the template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be placed and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is in a straight line against the door will also be very helpful.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can install it. This can be a tricky task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job if you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you review the directions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.

You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.

The position of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit has an outline put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is made, carefully place the cat flap into its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.

It is possible to put a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, however it's not as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.

Depending on the type of cat flap you choose, it may include a mounting kit as well as a template that shows you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not come with a template, you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.

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

Certain models of cat flaps have locks which let you control when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in either direction permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.