How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can become familiar with the size and shape. Prop upvc door panel with cat flap and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cut-out is even and ensure that the cut-out 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 flap at home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without you needing to allow them to enter or leave. It also stops them from fighting over cat food and litter box or even the door to the house.
Make sure you have the space where you plan to install your cat flap before you begin. This is because removing obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. Also, you should remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder the installation.
When you are preparing the space, you will need to measure and mark out where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could damage your door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a location that is easily accessible to your cat, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be put on the doorway leading to a space that is closed, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from attempting to jump over it and allows you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for your cat is not too low to be used by the smaller cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman if you have sliding doors or a window with a sash that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these doors and windows isn't easy and mistakes could result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the door or window's structural strength.
To mark the space for the cat flap you'll need 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. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to make sure it is horizontal. Next, check the instructions that came with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be centered at the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits pets to enter and leave the house. They are available in various sizes and materials so that you can pick the right one for your home and pet.
Before you buy a cat flap it's important to measure precisely the size of your doors or window in which you plan to install it. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole to be the right 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 it with your pet, this will give you an exact picture of the opening size (width).
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground up to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to feel comfortable. If it's too low they might have difficulty getting through and if it's high, they may not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should aim to create your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. The best option is to utilize a spirit level to help you with this, but if the directions included with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, a straight edge will do just as well.
It is recommended to hire an experienced glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these kinds of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and could lead to it shattering in the future which could pose a security risk for your home.
Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be problematic, too, because drilling into a soft section of the wall, this could cause issues with pipes and cables that go through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them then you need to mark the location where the hole will be. Mark the centre of the flap using a spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat may have difficulty getting in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat may not be able see what's going on outside. It is recommended to get it as close to the height of your cat's belly as you can, to provide them with the maximum comfort and security.
It is essential to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. If you're not experienced working with masonry it's worth seeking professional help.
Then step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is inside, to encourage them). Once they've made it through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
You should not push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed because this can 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 scared if the tail is caught in the flap. upvc door panels with cat flap have a habit of returning home to look for intrusions, so having the door open at this time can also be a concern because it could result in your pet being attacked by a cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is best for your cat or kitten if it knows how to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it is installed. It may take some time, but with patience, and a few treats to provide motivation, your cat will eventually learn to use it. You may also want to put a lock on the flap for extra security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.
Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It should be in a location that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they come in and out of the home, and will also help to keep other animals from entering your home.
Another thing to consider is the height that you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in accordance with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they can move through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
Once you have chosen the location you would like to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will allow you to determine the location you will need 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 when doing this, since inhaling dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you've finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. Then, carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.