The process of installing a cat flap may appear daunting, but it is fairly easy to do with the proper instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Mark this point on your door, and use the template provided to help you 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 encourage it to go through. Reward it each time it goes through.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move into and out of your home at any time. This can keep your cat healthy since it will ensure that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. It also can reduce the amount of time you need to let it out or in and will also help keep your home safe by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is placed properly to stop your pet from being forced through it or escaping by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway in your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is longer or taller than the average, you can alter the flap's height by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.
Then, 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 indication, cut out the contour of the flap using the aid of a jigsaw. After cutting the flap and sanded the edges to create smooth surfaces. Drill any holes you need to.
Installing a cat flap ought to not take more than two hours. However, the process can be a little more complicated if you need to fit it into a uPVC or composite door since these doors have a wide range of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed into. This is why we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the task, especially when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
A cat flap can spare you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it in or out. This is especially helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.
If you're planning to put a cat flap inside your door, it is crucial to measure your cat before attempting the task. Although it might appear to be a simple operation it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may find it difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a way that they are not able to move, and ensure that the ruler or measuring tape is flat against their body and not bending in any place. 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 have the measurement of your cat's body, it's time to take a look at the door and decide 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 pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise when it swings back and forward.
You should take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall construction and this can make the installation of a cat flap more complicated because you must ensure that the hole you cut is the right size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the location of the hole in the door. This will help you to determine where the opening needs to be, and also to make sure the template is placed correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is right against the door will also be very helpful.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging job and it is recommended that you get a professional help you if you lack the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions provided in the kit to find out how to do it right.
To do this, you will need to measure the height of your cat or kitten's belly and use that as a reference point. As a general rule, place the cat flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap with ease and it will also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping an issue when trying to enter or leave.
Once you've decided the best location for the cat flap to be located, mark the position on the door with a pencil. If your kit has the template put it on top of the door. Utilize the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you can do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle the jigsaw. Ensure that you do not cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or circle depending on the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new home and make sure that it is securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the protruding screws. 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 a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to go through by placing a small amount of cat food in front of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once cat flap install is comfortable walking through the flap it will be in a position to move as it pleases. This allows you to let it in and out at any time it wants.
It is possible to put the flap inside an UPVC door or glass door, however it might not be as easy as installing one in a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the UPVC doors and certain types of glass doors don't have an even thickness. This could affect how you cut the hole for the flap and can also affect whether your flap will fit properly once it's installed.
Depending on the type of cat flap you select, it may include a mounting kit and a template that will show precisely where to drill holes for it. If the kit does not include an example, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too far enough to make a larger hole than necessary in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are also some which are circular and these are usually more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, make sure that the hole is located in the correct place on your door. If not, your cat might not be able to use it, and could be stuck outside the whole day (or night).
Some cat flaps have locks that permit you to manage the time your cat comes and goes. They are helpful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark, or coming back to the house at night. They can also be helpful when you are working all day. The lock can be engaged for entry or exit and some locks can be 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 the rain.