How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce Continue Reading to the flap before it's put in place so that they be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the cat flap opening The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial for the well-being and health of your pet. It allows your pet to move from the inside to the outside without needing to let them in or leave. It can also stop them fighting over the litter box and cat food or even the entrance to the house itself.
The first thing that you will need to do before starting the installation of your cat flap is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be located. It will be much easier to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. Also, you should take out any furniture or decorations that might get in the way of your installation.
In preparing the area you must determine the exact location and measurement you plan on installing the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake which could damage the door or wall. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cat, yet doesn't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
The cat flap can be set in a door leading to a closed space like your laundry room or closet. This will prevent the cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as larger cats might struggle to climb over a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be best to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. It isn't easy to install the cat flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap safely and without damaging the structural integrity of the window or door.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the flap's location. This will enable you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line, use a spirit level to make sure it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions included in the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach this to your door so that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line you have drawn and is centered on the center point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet doors is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allow pets to go inside and out of the house. You can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet and you.
Before purchasing a cat flap, it is important to measure precisely the size of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. You will then be able to ensure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and the hole will be the right size. You can use this method to measure the width of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It is also advisable to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through, and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap at all.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to use a spirit-level to assist you with this, however if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then straight edges will work just as well.
When fitting the cat flap onto a glass or UPVC door or window it's best to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and lead to them shattering. This could create the risk of security for your home.
Placing a cat flap in brick walls can be a problem, too, since when you drill into a soft area of the wall, this could cause problems with cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to find the right size flap then you need to mark where the hole needs to go. Mark the center of the flap using a spirit level. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, use a pencil to draw around the template to indicate the location where the hole will be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it could make it difficult for your cat to get in and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they may struggle to see what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat is secure and safe it is best to place the flap as close as possible to their stomach.
It is essential to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with draughts and damp. If you're not experienced in masonry work it may be worth seeking professional help.
Then you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by pointing out where they should go (it is helpful if someone else is in the room to encourage them). Once they've done it, you can start letting them in and out as you please.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed because it could cause them to be scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more terrified if their tail is caught in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders, so leaving the door open can be risky. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. Installing a cat door that is small is best for your cat or kitten if it knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is installed It is crucial to show your cat how to use it. This will take time however, with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get habit of it. You might also want to install a lock on the flap for extra security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when away from home.
The first thing you need to decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap in your door. It should be placed in a location that opens into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure as they come into and out of the home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home.
Another factor to consider is the height that you'd like to place the flap on your cat. It should be in the same space as the measurement of your cat's belly, as this will ensure that they will be able to pass through easily. You can also place steps either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through.
Once you've decided where you'd like to place the cat flap, you can measure the door using a pencil and mark the location. This will help you decide the best place to cut. Then, you'll have to cut a square on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as inhaling dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square, it is necessary to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. The cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, now drill these into place. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.