It can be difficult to install a cat flap however, with the proper guidelines, it's not all that difficult. Decide how high you'd like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided as a guide when drilling.
If you have a kitten, or a young kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten as it moves through.
Take cat flap installation cost of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at the time that is convenient for you. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it is exercising regularly and be able to go back inside if it is trapped outside in bad weather. This will cut down on the time you have to let your cat go in and out and also make your home safe by letting you know when it's gone.
It is important to ensure that the cat flap is set up properly to stop your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should measure the height of your pet's stomach and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little larger or shorter than the normal, 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 center of the door where you will be installing the flap. With the markings as a reference, use an jigsaw to cut the form of the flap in the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes needed.
The process of installing the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. However, the process could be a little more complicated in the event that you have to put it into the door of a uPVC or composite door because these doors come in an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are fixed to. This is the reason we recommend hiring an expert to do the job, particularly when you've never dealt with glass before.
Measure Your Cat
You will not have to spend hours of listening to the pet's meow to be allowed in or out. This is particularly helpful when your cat is inside during the winter months when you are at work.
It is crucial to first measure your cat before attempting to install. Although it might seem like a simple operation it is important to get the measurement right or your cat may be unable to use.
First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not stressed prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to put your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, ensure that the measuring tape is straight and not bent against the body. You can get a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.
Once you have your cat's measurements then you can look at the door to determine the best place to place 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 noise as it swings back and forward.
It is also important to think about the thickness and the structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors are different in their overall structure and this can make the installation of a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.
You can make use of the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is placed precisely on the door. It is also beneficial to employ a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.
Cut the Flap
Before you can put in your cat flap you have to cut the door panel to create a space large enough for it. This can be a challenging job and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitting service to complete this task in case you don't have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you consult the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it correctly.
To do this you need to measure the height of your cat's or kitten's belly and use that as an indicator point. A good rule of thumb is to set the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This way, your cat can move through the flap with ease and also give the other cats or neighbours who are snooping difficult time trying to get in or out.
Once you have determined where the cat flap should be located, mark the location on the door using pencil. Then, if your kit comes with a paper template, lay it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into every corner of the template. After that, you'll be able to cut the template shape and replace it with the flap for cats.
If you are installing your cat flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if feel confident enough to handle using a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut into the mullions or rails that run vertically 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. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.
Once the hole is made and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and make sure that it is firmly fixed. If it features caps for screws, then put these caps onto the protruding screws. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts entering into your home.
Install the Flap
If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat using a stick or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap, it is likely to be able in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it out and in without to open the door to allow it in all day (and potentially in all weathers).
It is possible to fit the flap onto a UPVC or glass door however it's not as simple as fitting one into a wood external door because UPVC and some glass doors aren't a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the flap's hole and whether the flap will fit correctly after installation.
The mounting kit could include a template that shows you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important to not use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so that it doesn't leave a bigger than needed hole in your door.
The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, but there are some that are circular and these are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct position on your door, because if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).
Some models of cat flap have locks which let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. These can be very useful if you're worried about your cat going out at night only to come back in due to the darkness, or you're working all day. The lock can be turned on to allow entry or exit, and some locks can be locked in both directions, which allows you to close the door completely, which is especially beneficial for older or ill cats who don't want to go out in the rain.