Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's easy to do with the right instructions. First, determine the height you want the flap to be (on average or belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template included as a guideline to drill.

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

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at its convenience. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and can also protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.

However, it is essential that the cat flap is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the contour of the flap with a Jigsaw. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.

The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more difficult if you have to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the work, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at working all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.

If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important to measure your cat before attempting the task. It might appear to be a simple task, but it's important to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you've got your cat's measurements, it's time to examine the door to decide the best place to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and shut.

You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.

It is also worth looking through the instructions that come with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to see the location where the opening should be and make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.

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. This can be a daunting task so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.

To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat flap bifold doors or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. As a general rule you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the standard height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to get in or out.

Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if you are comfortable with the Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut into any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like it. Be patient and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole has been made, carefully place the cat flap installer near me flap into its new home. Make sure it is firmly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go at will. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it's wanted.

It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it's not as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can affect the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap is fitted correctly after it has been installed.

The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to create a bigger hole than you need 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 right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).

Certain models of cat flaps come with locks that permit you to control when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.