Fitting a Cat Flap

Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting but it's easy to do with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally, it is at belly height). Note this on the door and use the template as a guide to drill. If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to go through. 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 can help with keeping your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to get back inside if trapped outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat out or in and make your home secure by letting you know when it's gone. composite door cat flap is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed correctly in order to prevent your pet from being pushed through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the entrance to your home so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average. The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of the flap on the door with the help of a jigsaw. After cutting the area then sand the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes. The process of installing the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire task from start to the end. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to install it in the form of a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because these doors are available in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before. Measure Your Cat A cat flap will save you from hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially useful when your cat is in the house during all seasons while you are at work. If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it difficult to use. First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place that they are unable to move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the tip of their tail will enable you to get an accurate measurement. Once you have your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to look at the door to determine where to put the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forward. You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated because you must ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet. It is also worth reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will allow you to determine where the opening needs to be and make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits in a straight line against the door. Cut the Flap Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll need to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough for it. It can be a difficult job and it is recommended that you get a professional assist you if you do not have the knowledge or skills. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this properly. You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out. Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. Next, if your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the template's shape 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 can do this yourself if you are comfortable with the jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster. After the hole has been cut, carefully fit the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps put them on the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there are no draughts coming into your home. Place the Flap If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your pet is used 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 keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and likely in all weather conditions). It is possible to fit the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, but it might not be as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap fits correctly once it's been installed. The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit does not include a template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a bigger hole than necessary in your door. Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, your cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck in the open all day (or even at night). Some cat flaps come with locks that allow you to regulate the time your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful if you're concerned about your cat going out at night and coming back in the darkness, or you're at work all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.