Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
It can be difficult to set up a cat flap but with the right guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Find out how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Mark this point on the door, and use the template provided as a guide to drill.

If you have a kitten who is still a newborn and you want to keep the door open, gently prop it slightly open and invite it to pass through. Reward it as it passes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to move into and out of your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to go back inside if trapped outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. It also can reduce the amount of time you have to allow it in or out and can keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.

However, it is essential 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). You should measure the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than the average.


The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the centre of the door, where you will install the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use an jigsaw to cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.

The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you may believe and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to finish. However, the process can be slightly more complicated if you need to fit it inside the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with a wide range of thicknesses, which affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to complete the work, particularly when you've never dealt 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 particularly helpful when your cat is inside in all weathers while you are at work.

It is crucial to measure your cat first before attempting to install. It may appear to be a simple task, but it is essential to measure your cat correctly. If not, your cat may find it difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place in which they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. 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 got the measurement of your cat, it's time to take a look at the door and decide on where you want to place the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to walk through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it moves back and forth.

You should also take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall design and this can make the installation of the cat flap more difficult since you have to ensure that the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

It is also worth looking through the instructions included with the cat flap kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be located and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also helpful to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.

Cut the Flap

You'll need to cut an opening in the door panel for your cat flap before you can install it. It can be a difficult task and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the skills or experience. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to find out how to do this properly.

To do this, you have to take a measurement of the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indication point. A good guideline is to put the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is the typical belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door using a pencil. If Recommended Internet page comes with an outline, place it over the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes in each corner. You should then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install your cat flap yourself inside a wood or uPVC door when you're confident with the use of a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut into the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut the panel into a square or circle, depending on the design of your cat flap. Make sure to take your time and don't make the jigsaw cut faster.

After the hole has been cut then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and ensure that it is securely secured. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will prevent draughts from entering your home.

Place the Flap

If you have an ordinary cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet through it by placing a small amount cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap it should be able to go into and out as it wants, so you can let it out or in without keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weathers).

It is possible to fit a cat flap into the UPVC or glass doors but it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because the UPVC and glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut out the flap hole and also whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.

The mounting kit may include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to in order to cut, so it doesn't make a larger than needed hole in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular and these are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct spot on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and could be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that let you determine when your cat can enter and leave. These are useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They can also be helpful if you work all day. The lock can be used to allow entry or exit, and some are locked in either direction allowing you to shut the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in bad weather.

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