How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's set up so they can get used to the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without needing to let them in or leave. It also stops them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the house.
Set up the area in which you'll install your cat flap before you begin. This is because removing obstacles from the area will help you to work. It is also important to take out any furniture or decorations that might get in the way of the installation.
When preparing the area it is important to determine the exact location and measurement you are planning to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could cause damage to your wall or door. It is important to place the cat flap in a spot that is accessible for your pets, but doesn't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a closed space such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep the cats away from any potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for cats is not too low to be used by the smallest cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be best to employ a professional handyman for the task. Installing a cat flap in these types of windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the flap's location. This will allow you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line with a spirit-level, use it to ensure it is horizontal. Review the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows pets to enter and leave the home. They come in different sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your home and pets.
It's important that you measure your windows or doors before you buy the new cat flap. It is then possible to be certain that the cat flap will fit and the hole is the correct size. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by cutting off a portion and walking through it with your pet.
It is also advisable to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed in a height where your cats feel comfortable. If it's too low they might have difficulty getting through, and if it's too high, they might not be able to use the flap at all.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. It is recommended to use a spirit-level to help you with this but if the instructions included with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, straight edges will work the same job.
It is best to hire an experienced glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them could damage the integrity of the glass and could result in it breaking in the future, which could be a security risk for your home.
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap on brick walls, since drilling into a soft area of the wall can cause problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include a centre line, photocopy it and trace around it using a pencil to mark the spot where the hole needs to be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat may struggle to get into and out. Likewise, should you put it too high, the cat might not be able to observe what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels secure and safe it is recommended to position the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
It is also important to be cautious not to place a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause problems with damp, draughts, and stability. If you're unfamiliar in masonry work it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next, prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've passed then you can begin letting them in and out as you want.
cat flap fitting near me should not push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause injury to your kitten or cat. They'll be more terrified if their tail is trapped in the flap. Cats also tend to return home to check for intruders so having the door open during this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is recommended for your cat or kitten if it knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is in place, it is important to teach your cat to use it. It will take a while but with patience and a few treats for motivation, your cat will eventually learn to use it. You might also want to install a lock on the flap for extra security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.
The first thing you should decide where you want to place the cat flap on your door. It must be in a location that opens onto an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel safer as they exit and enter the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they can pass through. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door to help your cat get through it with ease.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to put the cat flap, you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door with a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask when doing this, since breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square is cut then sand the edges the door. This will create an even edge.
After you've finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. Then carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.