It might seem daunting to install a cat flap but with the right instructions, it's not too difficult. First, determine the height you want the cat flap to be (on average, belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and use the template provided as a reference to drill.
If you have a young kitten you can prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This will keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to return inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it out or in. It will also help protect your home by allowing you to know when it has gone out.
It is crucial that the flap on your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway to your home in order to make sure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than average.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an indication, cut out the form of your flap using a jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as complicated as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire task from start to the end. The process is a bit more difficult if you have to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in different thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to complete the task, especially if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful if you are at working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door it is important that you measure your cat before attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is important to make sure you measure correctly or your pet will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to 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 their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to determine an exact measurement.
Once you've determined your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's belly because it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings back and forth.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This can make the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult since you must ensure that 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 to determine where the opening needs to be and also make sure that the template is placed correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel in order to make it large enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be positioned, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay it on top of the door and use the marks to drill holes into 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 in a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle using a jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Be patient, and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it features caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your cat is comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
It is possible to fit an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, however it might not be as simple as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can copy it to create your own. It is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.
cat flap insulation are available in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to access it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or coming back in the dark. They are also useful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used for either entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who don't want to go outside in bad weather.