The process of installing a cat flap may seem intimidating however it's actually quite simple to install by following the correct instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door and use the template included as a guide when drilling.
If you have a young kitten hold the door slightly open and gradually allow it to go through. Reward it as it passes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is an excellent option to let your pet leave and come into and out of your house as it wants. This can keep your cat in good health as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it in or out and can also ensure your home is secure by letting you be aware of when it went out.
It is important to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the doorway to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap when your cat is taller or less than average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. Then, using the markings as an indication, cut out the shape of the flap on the door with the aid 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 needed.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it into a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to carry out the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful if you are at work most of the day and your cat has to stay inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential that you determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. Although it might seem like an easy task, it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. You can get an accurate measurement by keeping the measuring tape or ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forward.
You should also consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of a flap for your cat more difficult as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to make sure that the template is sitting right against the door will be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended to seek the help of an expert cat flap fitter for this step if you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended to read the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it correctly.
To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to set the flap around 10-15 centimeters away from the ground since this is the typical height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be placed, mark this position on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes a template you can place it on the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at each corner. Then, you should be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap on a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle 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 the panel into a square or a circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient, and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these caps onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed smooth the edges and seal any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can help your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out and in without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
It is possible to install a cat flap in a UPVC door or a glass door, but it might not be as easy as installing one inside a wooden exterior door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole, and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit might include a template that shows you the best places to drill holes. If cat flap fitters near me does not include the template you can copy it to make your own. It's important not to push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular designs, 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 position on your door because if it's not, your cat won't be able to use it and could be left outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. These can be very useful when you're concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or if you're working all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some can be locked in either direction which allows you to close the door completely. This is particularly beneficial for cats with a chronic illness or older age who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.