How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation to allow them to become familiar with the dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without needing to let them in or leave. It can also stop them fighting over the cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house itself.
Prepare the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to when you begin. It will be simpler to work if you remove any obstructions. Also, you should remove any furniture or decorations that might get in the way of your installation.
In preparing the area it is important to measure and mark out where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making a mistake that could ruin the wall or door. Ideally, you will want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
A good place to put the cat flap is the doorway leading to a closed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from attempting to jump over it and allows you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to leap through the flap.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman when you have a sliding door or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap in these types of windows and doors isn't easy and mistakes can cause costly damage. cat flap installation can install the cat flap without damaging the structural strength.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to ensure it's 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 of the template is with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits pets to go inside and out of the home. They are available in different sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your home and pets.
Before purchasing a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. This way you can ensure that the hole will to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. A good technique is to block off a portion of the door, and then try to walk through with your pet, this will give you an exact picture of the opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a level that your cats are comfortable using. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should try to drill your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used instead.
When you are installing the cat flap into glass or UPVC door or window it is best to employ an experienced glazier to complete this for you. This is because these kinds of doors are typically toughened and drilling into them could weaken the integrity of the glass and could result in it breaking in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in a brick wall can be a problem, too, since drilling into a soft area of the wall, it could cause problems with pipes and cables that run through the property. This can result in costly repairs, or even leaks or weather damage that comes from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap with your spirit level. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit does not include a centre line, photocopy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat will have difficulty getting in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat may not be able see what's happening outside. It is best to make it close to your cat's belly height as possible to allow them the most comfort and security.
You also want to be aware not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you aren't familiar with masonry.
Next step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is inside, helping them). Once they've made it through, you can start letting them in and out as you please.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap too quickly because this can cause them to be scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap when the flap closes, and they could be scared if their tail is caught in it as they attempt to get out. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders, and leaving the door open is dangerous. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is recommended when your cat or kitten knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is installed, it is important to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time however, with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get habit of it. It is also possible to install a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.
The first thing to do is decide where you want to place the cat flap inside your door. It must be in a location that opens onto an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will make your cat feel more secure when they come into and out of the house, and also keep other animals out of your home.
You should also be aware of the height of your cat flap. This should be in the same area as your cat's belly measurement, to ensure that they will be able to pass through easily. It is also possible to put steps either side of the door, to help your cat get through it more easily.
After you have decided where you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door using a Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to sand the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
When you are done the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.