It can be difficult to install the flap for your cat but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average the belly height). Note this on the door and use the template included as a guide to drill.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap is a great option to let your pet move into and out of your house as it wants. This will keep your cat in good health as it will ensure that it is getting enough exercise and be able to go back inside if it is stranded outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to let it out or in and will also help protect your home by allowing you to be aware of when it went out.
However, it is important that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the doorway to your home so that you can ensure that the flap is at the correct height. If your cat is larger or shorter than the average, you can alter the flap's position by moving it up or down by a tiny amount.
Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of your flap on the door with a jigsaw. Once you have cut out the space, sand down the edges of the door to smooth the surfaces. Then drill cat flap fitters fixing holes that are required.
The process of fitting a cat flap is not as difficult as you may think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire process from beginning to the end. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to install it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is because composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which can impact the way that holes are cut. This is why we recommend calling an expert to do the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You can avoid hours of ignoring the pet meow to be allowed in or out. This is especially helpful when you're at work most of the day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in any weather.
It is essential to measure your cat first before you attempt the installation. While it may seem a simple operation it is essential to make sure you measure correctly or your cat will find it very difficult to use.
First, make sure that your cat is calm before you begin taking measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against their body. By keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to make an precise measurement.
Once you've got your cat's measurement and measurements, you need to examine the door to decide where to place the flap. A good tip is to place the flap at the height of your cat's belly as it will allow them to pass through it without too much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.
You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While all timber doors have the same thickness, uPVC or composite doors can differ greatly in their overall structure. This could make the process of the installation of the flap for your cat more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is the proper size.
It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to find a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is perfectly against the door.
Cut the Flap
You will need to cut an opening in the door to accommodate your cat flap prior to you can attach it. This can be a challenging task and it is recommended to seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.
You can consider the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a rule of thumb put the flap about 10-15 centimeters above the ground. This is the average height of the stomach for cats. This will let your cat pass through the flap without difficulty and will make it difficult for other cats or nosy neighbours to enter or exit.
Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit includes a paper template, lay it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in each corner of the template. Then, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.
You can put in your cat flap yourself on the door made of wood or uPVC when you're confident with the Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the mullions or rails that run vertically of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like it. Take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw into cutting faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the cat flap into its new location and make sure that it is firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed then sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will stop the entry of draughts into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a standard cat flap, you can encourage your pet to go through it by placing a small amount cat food on the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wants and you should be able to let it in or out without to open the door for it all day (and potentially in any weather).
You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This can affect how you cut the hole for the flap, and can also affect whether your flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.
The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include the template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it is important to avoid pushing the jigsaw too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.
Certain cat flaps come in circular shapes, which can be more difficult to install. If you have a circular flap it's essential to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door because if it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be left out in the sun all day (or even at night).
Some models of cat flap come with locks that let you manage when your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful if you're worried about your cat going out at night and coming back in because of the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used to lock entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for older cats or sick cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.