How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it allows them to move freely between indoors and out without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the house.
The first thing you will need to do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be located. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will help you to work. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that could hinder your work.
When preparing the area, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake that could damage your wall or door. It is best to put the cat flap in a place that is easy for your cats but that won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be set on the doorway leading to a closed space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep the cats away from any potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for cats is not too low to be used by the smallest cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a flap that is higher.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old style sash window, it could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap in these types of windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap in a safe manner without damaging the structural strength of the window or door.
To mark the space for the cat flap, you'll need an ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut out the opening for the cat flap. Once you've marked the line, use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Check the instructions that came with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits pets to leave and enter the house. You can pick from a variety of sizes and materials to find the right one for you and your pets.
It's important that you measure your windows or doors prior to purchasing the new cat flap. This way, you can ensure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this technique to measure the width of the opening by securing off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It is also advisable to take 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 may struggle to get through and if it's high, they may not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. Ideally you should use a spirit-level to help you with this but if the instructions included with your cat flap kit don't have this then straight edges will work equally well.
It's best to hire a professional glazier put in the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally toughened and drilling into them can weaken the integrity of the glass and possibly cause it to shatter in the future which could be a security risk for your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap inside brick walls, as drilling into a soft part of the wall could cause problems for cables and pipes running through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat's measurements. Make use of your spirit level to ensure it runs in line with the door, and then mark the centre point. If your template for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then 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 could struggle to get in and out, and should you put it too high, your cat might not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels safe and comfortable it is recommended to position the flap as close as possible to their stomach.
It is also important to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts and stability. If you're unfamiliar with masonry work, it might be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance.
Then then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to enter it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've done it then you can begin letting them in and out as they please.
It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too quickly as this can lead to them being scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more terrified if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats also tend to return home to look for intruders so having the door open can also be a concern since it could lead to your pet being attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to put up an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It will take a while however, with patience and a few treats to provide motivation, your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want extra security, particularly in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It must be placed in a spot that opens out into an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they come in and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.
Another consideration is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in line with your cat's belly measurement, to ensure that they can pass through with ease. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat pass through.
Once you've determined where you want to put the cat flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will help you determine where you will need to cut. Then, you'll need to cut out an area around the door with the aid of a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask while working on this, as inhaling dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut, it is necessary to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After window with cat flap have finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. You should put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes if there are any on the door. Then carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.