How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation to allow them to become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap The distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
A cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to move from inside to the outside, without having allow them in or out. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the entrance to the home.
Prepare the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. It will be much easier to work if you remove any obstacles. It is also important to remove any furniture and other decorations that could hinder the installation.
You'll have to trace and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making a mistake that could ruin the wall or door. It is best to put the flap in a place that is easy for your cat, yet doesn't compromise the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be placed on the doorway leading to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from being able to jump over it, and allow you to keep the cats safe from any possible dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as larger cats might struggle to climb over a higher flap.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman when you have sliding doors or a sash window that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap into these doors and windows can be a challenge and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with care and without compromising the structural integrity of the window or door.
To mark out the area to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after you've marked the line to make sure it is horizontal. Review the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be centered at the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also referred to as a dog door is a small hole at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It lets pets enter and exit the house. repairmywindowsanddoors can choose from a variety sizes and materials to find the right one for you and your pets.
Before you buy an animal flap, you need to measure precisely the size of your windows or doors in which you plan to install it. This way you can be sure 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 section of the door, and then try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an exact idea 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 the flap is placed at the right place for your cat to feel at ease. If it's too low, they could struggle to pass through. If it's too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
In general, you should 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. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit-level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used instead.
When putting the cat flap into a glass or UPVC window or door, it is recommended to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. The doors are usually made tougher, and drilling can weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could create the risk of security for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap on a brick wall, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat's size. Make use of your spirit level to make sure it is in line with the door, then mark the center point. If the template for your cat flap kit does not include the centre line, copy it and draw around it with a pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat could have difficulty getting in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat may not be able to see what's happening outside. It is recommended to get it close to your cat's belly as you can to give them the most comfort and security.
Also, you should be careful not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Next you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is inside, encouraging them). Once they've walked through the door then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
It is important not to push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to be scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause harm to your kitten or cat. They will be even more scared if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders. Leaving the door open can be risky. Your cat could be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is best for your cat or kitten if it is able to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is installed, it is important to teach your cat how to use it. It may take some time but with patience and a few treats for motivation, your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock to the cat flap if you want additional security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to determine where you want to put the cat flap on your door. It will need to be put in a spot that opens into a sheltered part of your garden. This will help your cat feel secure as they leave and enter the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another thing to consider is the height that you want to put the flap for your cat at. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to move through. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to assist your cat get through it with ease.
Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap You can measure the door with an eraser and mark the location. This will give you an idea of where to cut. Then, you will need to cut a square on the door with a jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be harmful to your health. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to sand the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is on the side of your door. Drill the screw holes should there be any on the door. Then, carefully place the cat flap into the hole, making sure that it is snugly in place.