Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the proper instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door and then use the template included as a guideline to drill.
If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to allow it out or in and can also protect your home by letting you know when it's been out.
However, it is essential that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the entrance to your home in order to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is taller or less than average.
Then, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of your flap with the help of a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are required.
The process of installing a cat flap isn't as complicated as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. The process is slightly more challenging if you need to install it on a uPVC door or composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which can impact the way holes are cut. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to carry out the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly useful for those who work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It might seem like a simple task, but it's important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
First, ensure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Holding the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the base of their tail will enable you to make an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise when it swings back and forth.
It is also important to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions that come with the kit to find an illustration template that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned properly on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting in a straight line against the door will be extremely helpful.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can install it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended to get help from a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indicator point. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap easily and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to get inside or out.
Once you've decided where the cat flap should be placed, mark this position on the door with 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 at every corner. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable with the Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you want it. Take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If it has caps for screws, then put them onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there are no draughts coming into your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat has become comfortable walking through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out whenever it wants.
You can fit an animal flap inside an UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a wood external door because the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the opening for the flap and could affect the way your flap will fit properly once it's been installed.
Based on the type of cat flap you pick It could come with its own mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to make one yourself. It is important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, but there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat may not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to control the time your cat can enter and leave. This is useful for pets who are afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. The lock can be engaged 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 sick or elderly cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.