Fitting a Cat Flap

The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating but it's simple with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at the belly height). Note this on the door, and use the template provided as a reference to drill. If you have a kitten who is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through. Measure the Door A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat in or out, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it's gone. 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). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap in case your cat is taller or smaller than the average. The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. With the markings as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap inside the door. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed. The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way the holes are cut. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before. Measure Your Cat A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work. If you are planning to install a cat flap on your door it is important to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to measure the right way or your pet will find it difficult to use. First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to get an exact measurement. Once you've figured out the measurements of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth. You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While cat flap bifold doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet. You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole on the door. This will allow you to see where the opening must be and also make sure the template is correctly positioned on the door. Using a spirit-level to check that the template is flush against the door can be very helpful. Cut the Flap You will need to cut a hole in the door panel for your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a challenging job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions included in the kit to find out how to do it right. You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to get inside or out. Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, you should be able cut out the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap. You can put in your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster. Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it's securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home. Fit the Flap If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by placing a small amount of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat has become comfortable moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This lets you let it in and out at any time it's wanted. You can fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been put in place. Depending on the type of cat flap you choose It may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will show exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can make one yourself. It's important to not push the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door. Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded out in the sun all day (or even night). Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to determine when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely, which is especially helpful for cats with a chronic illness or older age who don't want to go out in rainy weather.