Fitting a cat flap can seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple with the proper instructions. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Mark this point on the door and use the template provided as a guide to drill.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/Replacement-Windows-150x150.jpg)If you have a kitten who is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to walk through. 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 its convenience. This can help with keeping your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise as well as being able to go back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially during the winter. This can reduce the time you spend letting your cat in or out and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's left.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is fitted correctly 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 doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the average, you can adjust the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the form of your flap with the help of a jigsaw. After you've cut the flap, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as difficult as you think and it should not take more than two hours to complete the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it inside the door of a upvc door panels with cat flap or composite door as these doors come in an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly in the event that you've never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of ignoring the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is in the waiting room until you come home in any weather.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.
Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and 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've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide on where to put the flap. It is advisable to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to move through it with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making lots of noise when it swings open and closed.
You will also need to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult because you must make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.
You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is set properly on the door. It is also a good idea to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can install your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough for it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter for this step in case you don't have the skills or experience to do it yourself. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it properly.
To do this, you will need to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use this as a reference point. A good guideline is to place the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat flap install's belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap with ease and it will also give any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to leave or enter.
Once you've decided the location where the cat flap needs to be positioned, mark this position on the door with pencil. Next, if your kit includes an outline of paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. Then, you should be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can install the cat flap yourself in an replacement upvc door panel with cat flap or wood door when you're confident with a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door mullions or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like it. Remember to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is securely 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 block the entry of draughts into your home.
Place the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hand or a stick. Once your pet is used to moving through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without keeping the door open to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weather conditions).
You can fit an animal flap inside an replacement upvc door panels with cat flap or glass door although this may not be as simple as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This could have an enormous impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.
The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one yourself. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape but there are some that are circular and these are usually more difficult to place. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is located in the right place on the door. If not, your cat may not be able use it, and might be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).
Certain models of cat flaps have locks that permit you to control when your cat comes in and goes. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful for those who work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely, which is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in the rain.