Fitting A Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple to install with the right instructions. Firstly, determine how high you want the cat flap to be (on average or belly height). Note this on your door and use the included template to help you drill.

If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to pass through. Reward the kitten as it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet move into and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your double glazing cat flap healthy by making sure that it gets exercise as well as being able to get back inside if stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in. It will also help ensure your home is secure by allowing you to know when it has gone out.

However, it is important that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is crucial to determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or cat flaps down by a tiny amount.

The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the center of the door, where you will put the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the contour of the flap using the aid of a Jigsaw. After you've cut the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.

Installing a cat flap ought to not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come in a wide range of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of ignoring the cat's meows to be let in or out. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months while you work.

It is important to measure your cat flap in upvc door panel first before you begin the installation. It may appear to be a simple task, but it's crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.

First of all, cat Flaps 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 place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to get an accurate measurement.

Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to look at 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 pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap making lots of noise when it opens and closes.

You should consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated as you will need to ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will help you to see where the opening must be and also ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to learn how to do this properly.

You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using the pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut through any of the door's mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle according to the way you want it. Take your time, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat flap insulation with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat flap fitters is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out as it wants.

It is possible to put an animal flap into a upvc door panel with cat flap door or a glass door, however it may not be as simple as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have an even thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also how well the flap fits after installation.

The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template you can make one by yourself. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw hard so that you don't make a larger hole than you need in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are also some which are circular and these are generally more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct spot on your door. If not, your cat may not be able to access it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).

Certain models of cat flaps have locks which allow you to manage when your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in both directions, allowing you to shut the door completely, which is particularly beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.