How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to be familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from all angles.
Ensure the cut-out 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
A cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It will allow your pet to move from the inside to the outside without needing to allow them to enter or leave. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the door to the home.
Prepare the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. This is because removing obstacles from the area will help you to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and decorations that may interfere with your installation.
You will be required to mark and measure the space where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will allow you avoid making mistakes that could destroy your wall or door. It is important to place the cat flap in a place that is accessible for your cats, but won't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The best spot to put the cat flap is in the doorway leading to an enclosed space such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. Also, make sure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by your smaller cat, as 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 might be an ideal idea to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. Installing a cat flap into these windows and doors isn't easy and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap safely and without damaging the structural strength of the window or door.
To determine the space to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut out the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to ensure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included in your cat flap kit to find the template. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits pets to leave and enter the house. They are available in different sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your house and pets.
It's important that you take measurements of your doors or windows prior to purchasing the new cat flap. You can then be sure that your cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. You can use this technique to determine 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 lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height that your cats are comfortable with. If replacement upvc door panel with cat flap 's too low they may struggle to get through and if it's high they may be unable to use the flap at all.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should utilize a spirit level to help you with this, but if the directions included with your cat flap kit don't have this then a straight edge will do the same job.
When putting the cat flap into glass or UPVC window or door, it's best to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could cause damage to their structure and lead to them shattering. This could be the risk of security for your home.
Installing a cat flap on brick walls can be problematic, too, because when you drill into a soft section of the wall, it could create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap It's time to mark where the hole needs to go. Make use of your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the center point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then use a pencil to draw around the template to mark where the hole should be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat could be unable to get out and in, and should you put it too high, your cat may not be able to observe what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels secure and safe it is recommended to place the flap as close as is possible to their belly.
It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with damp and draughts. If you're unfamiliar in masonry work, it might be worth seeking professional help.
Then then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to come through it by showing them where to go (it helps if someone's in the room to encourage them). Once they've made their way through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to let them in and out at will.
It's crucial to not allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too fast as this can lead to them being scared. Read the Full Article could easily be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and be even more scared if their tail gets caught in it as they try to exit. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders, so leaving the door open can be risky. Your pet could be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is recommended when your cat or kitten is able to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is set, it is important to show your cat how to use it. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats for an incentive your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. You may also want to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when away from home.
The first thing you should determine where you would 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 make your cat feel secure as they enter and exit the house and can keep other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to be aware of the height of your flap. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can pass through. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door to help your cat navigate it more easily.
Once you've decided where you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will help you decide the best place you need to cut. Then, you'll need to cut a square on the door with an Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while doing this, as breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square is cut into pieces, it is essential to sand around the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
When you are done sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is on the side of your door. Drill the screw holes in the event that there are any on the door. Then, carefully place the flap inside the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.