How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can get used to the size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between indoors and outside without having to let them in or out. It can also stop them fighting over the cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house itself.
The first thing that you will need to do prior to beginning your cat flap install is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be located. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. Also, you should take out any furniture or decorations that could hinder the installation.
You will be required to trace and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could damage the door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a place that is accessible for your pets, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
A good location to place the cat flap is in the doorway leading to an enclosed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent your cat from tripping over it and you can protect your pets from potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since larger cats might struggle to jump through the flap.
It is a good idea to hire an expert handyman when you have sliding doors or window with a sash that is old-fashioned. It can be a challenge to install the cat flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural integrity.
To determine the space for the cat flap you will need to use an ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line marked, use a spirit level to ensure that it is perfectly horizontal. Then, go through www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk included with your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is aligned with the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits pets to go inside and out of the home. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you.
Before purchasing a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your windows or doors where you intend to install it. This way you can ensure that the hole will to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by securing off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is placed at an area where your cats are at ease. If it's too low, they might struggle to get through. If it's too high, they might not be able to use the flap.
In general, you should strive to drill your holes at an angle of 45 degrees 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 in place.
It is recommended to have an experienced glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could compromise their strength and cause them to shatter. This could pose the risk of security for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap inside a brick wall, as drilling into a soft part of the wall can cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap It's time to mark the location where the hole will be. Mark the center of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for your cat flap kit does not include the centre line, copy it and trace around it using pencil to mark the area where the hole will need to be cut.
Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it could be difficult for your cat to go in and out of your house, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what is going on outside. To ensure that your cat is at ease and secure it is best to place the flap as close as is possible to their belly.
Also, you should be cautious not to place the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause problems with draughts, damp and stability. It's worth getting professional help when you're not experienced with the masonry.
Then step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is nearby encouraging them). Once they've done it, you can start letting them go in and out as you would like.
It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this can cause them to be scared. They could be injured by the clunk or snap when it closes, and they could be scared if their tail gets caught in it as they attempt to get out. Cats also are known to return home to check on any intruders so having the door open at this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a 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 flap is set, it is important to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time, but with patience, and a few treats to provide encouragement, your cat will eventually be able to utilize it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want additional security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing you need to do is decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap inside your door. It should be put in a spot that opens up into an area of protection in your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure as they go into and out of the home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home.
You should also consider the height of the flap. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly to ensure that they can pass through with ease. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to help your cat get through it with ease.
Once you have determined where you want to place the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will provide you with a guide for where to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door with an Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut, sand the edges of the door. This will give a smooth edge.
After you've finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The flap must be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is located on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. You should then carefully place the flap in the hole, ensuring that it fits snuggly.