Fitting a Cat Flap

It may seem difficult to install a cat flap but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.

If you have a kitten that is still a newborn then gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to walk through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is an excellent way to allow your pet to come and go inside and out of your home whenever it wants. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside in bad weather. It can also cut down on the amount of time you'll have to spend letting it out or in.  cat flap fitting near me  can also protect your home by allowing you to know when it's been out.

It is crucial to make sure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced 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 height of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.

The next step is to make use of a spirit level to mark the center of the door that you will put the flap. Then, using the mark as an outline, cut the shape of your flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes that are needed.

The process of fitting a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come with an array of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially useful when your cat is in the house during all seasons while you work.

If you want to fit a cat flap in your door, it is crucial to take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat will find it difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you have your cat's measurement, it's time to examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly because this will allow them to get through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap making quite a lot of noise when it swings open and closed.

You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall design. This could make the process of the process of putting in the flap for your cat more difficult since you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.

You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be and also make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is 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 make it large enough for it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you hire a professional to assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.

You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. As a rule of thumb, place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the stomach for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit comes with an outline of paper, place this over the door and use the markings 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.

You can put in your cat flap yourself inside the door made of wood or uPVC If you're comfortable using a Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is made, carefully fit the flap onto its new location and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop draughts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a small amount of cat food in the front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.

It is possible to fit the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

Depending on the model of cat flap you pick It may include a mounting kit and template that will tell exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template, you are able to create one on your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, make sure that the hole is in the right place on your door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or night).

Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to manage when your cat comes in and goes. These are useful when your cat is scared of leaving in the dark, or coming back in the dark. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. Certain locks can be used to lock access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.