Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's simple to install with the proper instructions. Determine how high you would like the flap to be (normally it's located at belly height). Note this on your door and then use the included template as a guide when drilling.

If you have a kitten that is still a baby then gently prop the door slightly open and encourage it to go through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap installation cost flap is an excellent option to allow your pet to come and go in and out of your house as it wants. This can help keep your cat flap insulation healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to come back in if left outside in bad weather, especially during the winter. It can also cut down on the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and can also keep your home safe by letting you know when it has gone out.

It is important to make sure that the cat flap is set up correctly in order to prevent your pet from being forced through through it by other animals (e.g. dogs). You should determine the height of your pet's belly and the width of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the correct height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is smaller or taller than average.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Utilizing the marking as a reference, use a jigsaw and cut out the shape of the flap within the door. After you've cut the door, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes required.

Fitting a cat flap should not take more than two hours. The process can be slightly more complicated if you are required to put it in a uPVC door or a composite one. This is due to the fact that these doors come in various thicknesses, which could affect the way holes are cut. We always suggest to contact a professional when this is your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap will save you from hours of hearing your pet's cries for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for those who working all day and your cat has to stay in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.

It is essential to measure your cat first before you begin the installation. It may seem like a straightforward task, but it is crucial to make sure you measure the right measurements. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.

First, make sure your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they are not able to move, and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. You can take 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 got your cat's measurement then you can look at the door to determine the best place to place the flap. Position the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also avoid the flap making quite a lot of noise when it opens and closes.

You will need to take into consideration the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. While all timber doors have the same thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors may differ in their overall structure. This could make the process of fitting an enclosure for your cat flap double glazing more difficult, as you need to ensure the hole is of the correct size.

You can also use the template drawing included in the instructions to mark the location of the opening on the door. This will help you determine where the hole should be located and ensure that the template is set precisely on the door. It is also a good idea to use 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's panel to make it large enough for it. It's a challenging job so it's recommended you hire a professional to assist you if you do not have the expertise or experience. You can also read the instructions that come in the kit to find out how to do it correctly.

To do this, you will need to determine the height of your cat's or kitten's belly. Use this as an indication point. A good rule of thumb is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This will allow your cat to move through the flap with ease and make it difficult for other cats and nosy neighbors to get in or out.

Once you've determined where the cat flap should be placed, mark this location on the door using the help of a pencil. If your kit comes with a template for paper, place it over the door and use the markings to drill holes in every corner of the template. Then, you'll be able cut out the template and replace it with the cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap fitters flap in a door made from wood or uPVC, it is possible to do this yourself if you feel confident enough to handle a Jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle depending on the way you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to make the jigsaw cut faster.

Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new place of residence. Make sure it's firmly secured. If it has caps for screws, then put these onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, sand any rough edges of the cut, and then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts entering into your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can try to encourage your pet to use it by placing a small amount cat food on the top of the door. You can also push the cat with the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is accustomed to moving through the flap, it should be able to go into and out as it wishes so you can let it out and in without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and possibly in any weather).

It is possible to install the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, but it may not be as simple as putting one in a wooden external door. This is because upvc door panels cat flap doors and some types of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This could have a significant impact on the way you cut out the flap's hole and whether the flap fits correctly after installation.

Based on the type of cat flap you select, it may come with its own mounting kit as well as a template that will tell you exactly where to drill the holes for it. If the kit does not include a template you can copy it to create your own. When cutting, it's important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.

Most cat flaps are rectangular or square in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to install. If you have a round flap, make sure the hole is located in the right place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able use it, and may be outside all day (or night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that allow you to control the time your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or returning inside at night. They are also useful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is helpful for sick or older cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.