Installing a cat flap might be a bit daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the right instructions. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your home whenever it pleases. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to go back in if stuck outside in bad weather, particularly in winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat go in and out, and keep your home safe by notifying you when it has left.
It is essential to make sure that the cat flap is installed properly to stop 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 as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than average.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. After you have cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours to complete the entire job from start to the end. However, the process could be a little more complicated if you need to fit it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door because these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is the reason we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow to let it in or out. This is particularly helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home regardless of the weather.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in your door it is important that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it difficult to use.
First of all, make sure that your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the base of their tail will enable you to get an precise measurement.
Once you have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. cat flap fitters will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and shut.
You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall structure, which can make fitting a cat flap more complicated since you have to make sure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
It is also worthwhile studying the instructions included with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Using a spirit level to ensure that the template is sitting right against the door will also prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. This is a difficult job, and it is recommended that you get help from an expert cat flap fitter for this step should you not have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do this correctly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good guideline is to set the flap of your cat about 10 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way your cat can move through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you have determined the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes an outline put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able to cut out the design of the template 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 the use of a Jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Take your time, and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.
After the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's solidly secured. If it has caps on the screws, then place these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws have been installed, sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wants.
You can install an animal flap inside a UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a timber external door since the UPVC and glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could affect how you cut the opening for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will show you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit doesn't include an example, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a bigger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape but there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the proper location on your door as if it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.