About Me

Fitting a Cat Flap
The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting however it's actually quite easy to do by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template provided as a guide to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if it is left outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat go in and out and make your home safer by notifying you when it's left.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through or escaping through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the size of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door where you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.

The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire job from start to the end. However, the process may be slightly more complicated in the event that you have to put it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you are at work.

It is important to measure your cat's measurements first before you attempt the installation. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.

First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a position where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. A good tip is to position the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it without much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and back.

You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated because you must make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

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 to see where the opening must be, and also to ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap before you can put it in place. It's a challenging task and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended to consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.

To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat or kitten's belly. Use this as a reference point. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the standard height of the belly for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.

Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. After that, you'll be able to cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are confident enough to use a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once cat flap installer has been made, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut then seal any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the top of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat has become used to walking through the flap it will be in a position to move at will. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.

It is possible to install a cat flap in an UPVC door or glass door, but it's not as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This can have a significant impact on the way you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's installed.

The mounting kit might include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one on your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to create a bigger hole than is necessary in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are some that 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 proper position on your door because if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left in the open all day (or even 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 worried about your pet going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. Some locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.