It can be difficult to set up a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's at belly height). Then, mark this area on your door, and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.

If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open very slightly and gradually allow it to pass through. Reward the kitten each time it goes through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to enter and exit your home at any time. This will help keep your cat healthy by ensuring that it gets exercise and also being able to get back inside if left outside in the rainy weather, especially in winter. This will reduce the amount of time you allow your cat go in and out and also make your home safer by notifying you when it's gone.

However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's stomach and the height of the doorway in your home to make sure the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than average, you can alter the position of the flap by moving it upwards or downwards by a small amount.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. With the markings as a guide, take the jigsaw and cut the shape of the flap inside the door. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are required.

The process of fitting the cat flap isn't as complicated as you think and it should not take more than two hours to finish the entire process from beginning to completion. However, the process could be slightly more complicated when you have to install it onto the frame of a upvc cat flap door panels or composite door because these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and what they are inserted into. We always recommend to contact an expert if this is your first experience with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap can save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat is stuck inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.

It is important to first measure your cat before attempting to install. While it may seem an easy task, it is crucial to measure the right way or your pet will find it very difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is calm and not feeling stressed before you take the measurements. You will have to hold your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can take 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've figured out the measurements of your cat, it is time to look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. The best option is to place the flap on the highest point of your cat's belly as it will allow them to get through it with minimal effort. This will also stop the flap from making too much noise as it moves back and forth.

You will need to consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door too. While all doors made of timber have a similar thickness to them, uPVC or composite doors are different in their overall design. This makes fitting a flap for your cat more difficult as you must ensure that the hole is of the correct size.

It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the cat flap kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to mark the location of the hole inside the door. This will allow you to determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is set correctly on the door. Using a spirit-level to ensure that the template is right against the door will also prove beneficial.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap, you'll must cut the door panel to make it large enough to accommodate it. This can be a tricky job and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this step should you not have the knowledge or skills to tackle it yourself. You can also refer to the instructions included with the kit to learn how to do it properly.

You can use the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the cat's belly. Your cat will be able to move through the flap without difficulty and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours a tough time trying to leave or enter.

The position of the cat flap on the door with the pencil. If your kit includes a template for paper, place it over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. Then, you should be able cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if are comfortable with a Jigsaw. Make sure you don't cut through any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a jigsaw cut the panel into a square or a circle according to the design of your cat flap. Be patient and don't force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is cut, carefully place the cat flap in its new home. Make sure it's firmly secured. If the flap is fitted with screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws are in place, sand the rough edges of the cut and then apply sealant to any gaps to ensure there aren't any draughts getting into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a standard cat flap, you can help your pet to use it by placing a small amount of cat food on the front of the door. You can also push the cat using the help of a stick or your hands. Once your cat is used to moving through the flap, it will be in a position to move at will. This lets you let it in and out whenever it's wanted.

You can install the flap onto a UPVC or glass cat flap installation near me door but it's not exactly the same as fitting it into a wooden external door since UPVC and cat flap fitting some glass doors don't have the same thickness. This could have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap will fit properly once it's been put in place.

The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can photocopy it to make your own. When cutting, it is important to not push the jigsaw to the point that you create a bigger hole than you need in your door.

Some cat flaps are available in circular shapes, which are more difficult to put in. If you have a circular flap, it's important to make sure the hole is in the correct location on your door as if it's not, your cat flap double glazing can't use it and may be stuck outside all day (or even at night).

Certain cat flaps have locks that let you control the time your cat enters and leaves. They are helpful if your pet is afraid of going out in the dark or coming back to the house at night. They can also be useful if you work all day. The lock can be used for entry or exit and some are locked in both directions, permitting you to close the door completely. This is especially helpful for older or ill cats who aren't keen on going out in rainy weather.