Fitting A Cat Flap

Fitting a cat flap can appear daunting however it's actually quite easy to do with the right instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and then use the template provided as a reference to drill.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby, gently prop the door slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it passes.

Measure the Door

A window cat flap flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back in if it is left outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to let it in or out and will also help protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.

However, it is important that the flap for your cat is correctly fitted to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. You can alter the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the marks as an outline, cut the shape of your flap on the door with a Jigsaw. After you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.

Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. However, the process could be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside a uPVC or composite door since these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. This is why we always recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can spare you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is especially helpful for cats that are in the house during all seasons while you are at work.

It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is essential to measure the right way or your cat will be unable to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat flap fitters in a position in which they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. You can take 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've figured out the measurements of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. The best option is to place the flap at the height of your cat's stomach as this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.

You must take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, replacement upvc door panels with cat flap and composite doors may differ in their overall construction and can make fitting the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.

It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be and also ensure that the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is sitting flush against the door will prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap you must cut the door's panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you get a professional assist you if you don't have the skills or experience. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to find out how to do this correctly.

You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. As a general rule you should place the flap approximately 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or naughty neighbours to enter or exit.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, it is possible to do it yourself if you are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's solidly secured. If the flap has screws then push them into the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.

Install 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 on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or with a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it will be able to come and go as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it's wanted.

You can fit a cat flap into an UPVC or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut the flap's hole, and how well the flap fits after installation.

The mounting kit may contain a template that outlines the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not push the jigsaw too in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

Some cat flap cover for winter flaps come in circular designs, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, ensure that the hole is located in the correct place on the door. Otherwise, the cat may not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. This is useful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. Certain locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for older cats or sick cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.