How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's set up so they can be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from every angle.
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 equal.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without you needing to allow them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the house.
The first thing that you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is to make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be installed. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will make it easier for you to work. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that might hinder the installation.
You will need to mark and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake which could ruin your door or wall. It is best to put the cat flap somewhere that is easily accessible for your cats but that won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
A good spot to put the cat flap is the doorway leading to a closed space, such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from attempting to jump over it and allows you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, as taller cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style windows with sash, it might be a good idea to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap on these doors and windows and any mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap in a safe manner without harming the structural integrity of the door or window.
To determine 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 enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn using a spirit level, you can use it to ensure that it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came 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 you have drawn and is centered on the center point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog's door, is a small opening at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It lets pets enter and exit the house. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your house and pets.
Before upvc door panel replacement cat flap buy an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of your window or door in which you plan to install it. You can then be sure that your cat flap will fit and that the hole will be the correct size. You can use this technique to measure the width of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended 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 might have difficulty getting through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap in any way.
Generally, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't come with a spirit level, a straight edge can be used instead.
When fitting the cat flap into glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ a professional glazier to do this for you. This is because these kinds of doors are usually made of toughened glass and drilling into them may damage the integrity of the glass and possibly result in it breaking in the future, which could be a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in the brick wall could be a problem, too, since drilling into a soft section of the wall, it could create problems for pipes and cables that go through the property. This can lead expensive repairs, or even leaks or weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the appropriate size flap, it's time to mark where the hole should go. Use your spirit level to make sure that it's flush with the door, and then mark the center point. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the location where the hole will need to be cut.
Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to get in and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they might be unable to see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels safe and comfortable it is recommended to place the flap as close as you can to their belly.
You also want to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is nearby to encourage them). Once they've done it then you can begin letting them in and out as they would like.
You should not push your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly because it could cause them to become scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and be even more scared if their tail is caught in it as they try to exit. Cats also return home to search for intruders, and leaving the door open could be dangerous. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to install an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat is aware of its use.
Installation
Once the flap is installed, it is important to show your cat how to use it. It will take a while, but with patience, and a few treats for motivation, your cat will eventually learn to utilize it. You may also want to install a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.
Choose the location where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a place that opens up into a sheltered part of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel secure as they enter and exit the home and will keep other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height you'd like to place the cat flap at. This should be in the same space as your cat's belly measurement, to ensure that they will be able to pass through the door easily. You can also set steps on either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
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 provide you with a guide for where to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door using the Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask while working on this, as inhaling the dust could be harmful to your health. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will create an even edge.
When you are done the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The flap must be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is located on the inside of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, now drill them into the hole. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure that it is snugly in place.