Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating but it's easy to do with the right instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally, it is at the belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a newborn, gently prop the door slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This will help keep your cat in good health by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to go back in if it is trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat in or out and also make your home safer by letting you know when it has left.
However, it is important that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the height of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than the average.
The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the center of the door, where you will install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap within the door. After cutting the area out and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend hiring a professional to complete the job, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries to let it out or in. This is especially helpful for cats that are inside in all weathers when you are at work.
It is essential to first measure your cat before attempting to install. While it may seem a simple operation it is crucial to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a position that they are unable to move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against their body. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to get an exact measurement.
Once you have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine where to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly because it will allow them to get through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You should also think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall design. This could make the process of the installation of an enclosure for your cat more difficult as you have to make sure that the hole is the right size.
It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions that come with the cat flap kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to determine the location of the hole inside the door. This will help you to determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure the template is properly placed on the door. Utilizing a spirit level to ensure that the template is right against the door can prove beneficial.
Cut the Flap
You'll need to cut a hole in the door panel to install your cat flap prior to you can install it. It's a challenging job, so it's recommended that you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the expertise or experience. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it right.
cat flap fitting can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average height of the cat's belly. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbors to get in or out.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit includes a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each 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 an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with the Jigsaw. Be sure not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a circle or square, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the cat flap into its new home and ensure that it is firmly fixed. If it features screw caps, then push these caps onto the protruding screws. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will stop drafts from entering your home.
Fit the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out as it wishes.
You can fit a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting one into a wood exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC doors and some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant 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 showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template, you are able to make one on your own. When cutting, it's crucial to not push the jigsaw far enough to create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the right position on your door because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and could be left in the open all day (or even night).
Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to regulate when your cat can enter and leave. They are helpful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back in the dark. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some can be locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't willing to go out in the rain.