How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can become familiar with the dimensions and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
A cat flap in your home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it lets the pet to move freely between indoors and outside without needing to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the entrance to the home.
The first thing you will need to do prior to beginning the installation of your cat flap is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be installed. It will be simpler to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. Also, you should remove any furniture or decorations that might hinder your work.
You will have to mark and measure the space where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could ruin the door or wall. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to place the cat flap somewhere that is easy for your pets, but doesn't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
A good location to place the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from tripping over it and also protect your cat from potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, since taller cats may struggle to climb over the flap.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman if you own sliding doors or a window with a sash that is old-fashioned. It isn't easy to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with out damaging the structure of the window or door's integrity.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the flap's location. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line marked using a spirit level, you can use it to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Review the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach this to your door so that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is aligned with the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also referred to as a dog door is a small hole at the bottom of external doors or windows. It lets pets enter and exit the house. You can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the best one for you and your pets.
It's important that you take measurements of your windows or doors prior to purchasing a new cat flap. You can then be sure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and the hole will be the right size. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by cutting off a portion and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure the flap is set at a height where your cats feel at ease. If it's too low, they might have difficulty getting through, and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should try to make 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. It is recommended to utilize a spirit level to help you with this, however if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then a straight edge can work equally well.
It is best to hire a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are typically made of toughened glass and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and possibly result in it breaking in the future which could pose 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 cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them, it's time to mark where the hole will be. Use your spirit level to make sure that it's in line with the door, then mark the centre point. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit does not include a centre line, photocopy it and trace around it with pencil to mark the area where the hole will need to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat will struggle to get in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat might not be able to see what's going on outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to position the flap as close as you can to their stomach.
Also, you should be careful not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause problems with damp, draughts and stability. If you're not experienced in masonry work it may be worth seeking professional help.
Next step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is nearby helping them). Once they've made their way through the door then you can gradually begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It's crucial to not allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too quickly as this can lead to them getting scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing can cause injuries to your kitten or cat. They'll be more terrified if their tail is trapped in the flap. Cats also return home to search for intruders, so leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is recommended for your cat or kitten if it is able to use it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It will take some time but with patience and some treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get grasp of it. Install cat flap fitting on the cat flap if your pet needs extra security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It must be in a location that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel safer as they enter and exit the home and will 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 accordance with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they are able to traverse through. You can also set steps on either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through.
After you have chosen the location you would like to place the cat flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will allow you to determine the location you will need to cut. Then, you will need to cut an area around the door with a jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask, to ensure your health from inhaling dust. After the square is cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will give a smooth edge.
When you are done sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. You should put the cat flap in such that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill them into the hole. Then, carefully place the cat flap into the hole, ensuring that it fits snuggly.