Carpenter / Joiner - Fitting A Cat Flap

Carpenter / Joiner Jobs - How Do Cat Flaps Work?

Cat flaps are a must for some cat owners and can be installed in almost all doors including uPVC doors. The first step for installing a cat flap is deciding what kind of cat flap you would like to use. The most basic cat flap has no locking capabilities and is simply a hole in the uPVC door with a flap to keep out the weather. More commonly, homeowners want some kind of locking cat flap. There are simple knobs that give the option of locking or unlocking the flap. A popular cat flap has four-way locking capability: unlocked, entry only, exit only or locked. A more high tech option is a magnetic locking flap. The cat wears a tag that unlocks the cat flap when they get close, this option helps keep out other cats since it will only unlock for the cat with the tag. When you have decided which type of cat flap to use, be sure that it is thick enough to be installed in a uPVC door.

Carpenter / Joiner Jobs - Fitting The Cat Flap

Once you have purchased a cat flap, installation is simple. Measuring and leveling are the most important step to a successful installation of a cat flap. If the cat flap installation instructions include a template, use that to mark the location on the door. If no template is included, make a template that goes around the opening of the flap but not around the external frame. The bottom of the flap door should be at the height of the cat's belly. Be sure to use a spirit level so the cat flap will be level when inserted into the uPVC door. Drill pilot holes inside each corner of the marked out opening. The pilot holes should be large enough to allow insertion of a jigsaw blade. The pilot holes will allow for easier and more accurate corner cuts. Once you cut the opening, measure the thickness of the door. If the cat flap frame has adjustable thickness, trim it to the appropriate width. Insert the interior frame and mark the four hole locations. Using appropriate length screws, insert the cat flap frame on the inside of the uPVC door and the other half of the frame on the outside of the door. Install screws and check for correct operation.