Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's simple with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template as fitting a cat flap in a upvc door guideline to drill.

If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually encourage it to pass through. Reward it when it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat flap bifold doors go in and out and also make your home safe by letting you know when it has left.

It is crucial that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than average.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap within the door. Once you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.

The process of installing a cat flap is not as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to the end. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to install it on the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially useful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.

If you want to fit a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is crucial to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.

First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.

Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also avoid the flap from making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.

You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors with cat flap made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.

It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark out the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is flush against the door will prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included window with cat flap the kit to discover how to do it properly.

To do this you need to determine the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it 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 includes an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.

You can install the cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable with a jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square depending on the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is firmly secured. If it features screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes so you can let it out or in without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weathers).

It is possible to fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting a cat flap one into a wood external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.

The mounting kit could contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left in the open all day (or even night).

Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. This is useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in rainy weather.