Installing a cat flap might seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple with the right instructions. Determine how high you would like the cat flap (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door, and use the included template as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten that is still a baby and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and allow it to pass through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a wonderful way to allow your pet to move inside and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is exercising and also being able to go back in if it is stuck outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. This will cut down on the time you allow your cat in or out and make your home secure by letting you know when it has left.
It is essential to ensure that the cat flap is placed correctly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway of your house so that you can make sure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little longer or taller than the average, you can adjust the position of the flap by moving it up or down a small amount.
The next step is to utilize a spirit level mark the centre of the door that you will put the flap. Using the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap in the door. After you've cut the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any necessary holes.
Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a bit more difficult if you need to fit it into the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors have various thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. This is why we always recommend calling a professional to complete the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of listening to the cat's meows to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful if your cat is trapped inside during the winter months while you are at work.
It is important to first measure your cat before you begin the installation. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and also ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not arching in any places. You can get a precise 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. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to go through the door with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot of noise as it opens and closes.
You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While all timber doors have a similar thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. 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 proper size.
You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. Using 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'll must cut the door panel to make a space big enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the skills or experience to complete the task yourself. You can also read the instructions provided with the kit to discover how to do it right.
You can take the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a reference. A good guideline is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average belly height for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Once you've determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this position on the door with the help of a pencil. If your kit includes a template, place it over the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You will then be able to cut the template's shape and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle, depending on how you want it. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it has screw caps, then push these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.
Fit cat flap installation cost
If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to go through by putting a little bit 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 has become accustomed to moving through the flap, it will be able to come and go whenever it wants. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wishes.
You can install a cat flap into a UPVC or glass door however it's not exactly the same 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 can have a dramatic effect on how you cut the hole for the flap, and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been put in place.
Depending on the model of cat flap you select It could include a mounting kit and template that shows you exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include the template you can copy it to make your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.
Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap, it's essential to make sure the hole is in the proper position on your door, because in the event that it's not, the cat will not be able to use the flap and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Certain cat flaps have locks that let you regulate when your cat is allowed to enter and leave. These are useful if your pet is afraid of leaving in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used to allow or deny entry, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't willing to go out in bad weather.