How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to become familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the cat flap opening - the distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it lets the pet to move freely between indoors and out without needing to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the house.
Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to begin. It will be easier to work if you remove any obstructions. Also, you should take out any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of your work.
You'll need to mark and measure the space where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could cause damage to your wall or door. Ideally, you will want to put the flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cat, yet doesn't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
A good location to place the cat flap is the doorway leading to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and you can protect your pets from potential dangers. Also, make sure that the flap for your cat is low enough to be used by your small cat, since taller cats will struggle leaping through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old style sash window, it could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap on these types of windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structure of the window or door's strength.
To mark the space for the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to cut precisely the flap's opening. Use a spirit level after having marked the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet doors is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows pets to enter and leave the home. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the best one for you and your pets.
Before purchasing 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 is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a portion of the door, and then try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an accurate idea of the opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to are comfortable. If it is too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit level, a straight edge could be used in place.
It is recommended to have a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. These doors are usually toughened, and drilling can cause damage to their structure and cause them to shatter. This could be the risk of security for your home.
Putting a cat flap into brick walls can be a problem, too, since drilling into a soft area of the wall, it could cause issues with pipes and cables that go through the property. This can lead expensive repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage from outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them It's time to mark where the hole will be. Mark the centre of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to draw around the template to mark the location where the hole will be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to climb in and out of the house, and if it's too high, they could struggle to see what's going on outside. To ensure your cat feels secure and safe it is recommended to put the flap as close as possible to their belly.
It is important to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This could result in problems with draughts and damp. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Then step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is inside, to encourage them). Once they've made their way through it and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is important not to push your kitten or cat through the flap too quickly as this could cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing may cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They'll be more scared if the tail is stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders, so leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet may be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is best if your kitten or cat knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is installed, it is important to show your cat how to use it. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats as an incentive your cat will eventually learn to utilize it. Install a lock to your cat flap if your pet needs extra security, particularly in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.
The first thing you should do is decide where you would like to place the cat flap inside your door. It will need to be placed in a location that opens up into an area of protection in your garden. This will make your cat feel safer as they exit and enter the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height you'd like to set the flap on your cat. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they can pass through with ease. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door, to help your cat get through it more easily.
Once you've decided where you'd like to place the cat flap You can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will allow you to determine where to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door using the Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. After composite door cat flap is cut into pieces, it is essential to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you have finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there is one, is on the side of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should then drill them into place. Then, you should carefully insert the cat flap into the hole, making sure it fits snuggly.