Fitting A Cat Flap

It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap however, with the proper instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a reference to drill.

If you have a small kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually encourage it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your house as it wants. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in. It can also keep your home safe by allowing you to know when it has gone out.

It is important to ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can alter the height of your flap if 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. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After 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 isn't as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to the end. The process is slightly more difficult if you have to put it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work all day and your cat flap fitting is inside waiting until you get home in any weather.

If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail can allow you to make an precise measurement.

Once you've got your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also prevent 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 or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting an enclosure for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.

You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and make sure that the template is placed 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

Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door's panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap Installation Bristol flap kit to find out how much to install a cat flap to do it correctly.

To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to get in or out.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template and replace it with the cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap inside an entryway made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you are comfortable with using a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like it. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screws put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be able to move into and out as it pleases so you can let it in or out without having to be there holding the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions).

You can install a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors but it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.

The mounting kit might contain a template that outlines where to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a larger hole than you need in your door.

Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on your door. In the event that it is not, the cat flap cost might not be able use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).

Some models of cat flap have locks that permit you to regulate when your cat comes in and goes. These can be very useful in the event that you are worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or you're 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. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in the rain.