How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they be familiar with the dimensions and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap inside your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. It allows your pet to move from the inside to the outside, without needing to allow them to enter or leave. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box or even the door to the house.
The first thing you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area where it will be placed. This is because removing obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. You should also remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder your installation.
You'll have to trace and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could damage the door or wall. It is best to place the cat flap somewhere that is easy for your pets, but doesn't compromise the integrity of your home's structure.
The best location to place the cat flap is inside an entrance that leads to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from attempting to jump over it and allows you to keep the cats from any potential dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since larger cats might struggle to leap through a higher flap.
It is a good option to employ an experienced handyman if you have sliding doors or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. It isn't easy to install an animal flap on these doors and windows and any mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structure of the window or door's strength.
To determine the space to place 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 enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after you've marked the line to make sure it's horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with the cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach it to the door so that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you've drawn and is aligned with the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow a pet to enter and leave the home. They are available in different sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your home and pets.
It's important that you take measurements of your doors or windows before purchasing a new cat flap. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a part of the door and then try to walk through it with your pet, this will give you an exact idea of the opening size (width).
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest part of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a level that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they might struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.
Generally, you should 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 use a spirit-level to assist you with this, but if the directions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, straight edges will work equally well.
It's best to employ a professional glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are typically toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and lead to them shattering. This could be an security risk to your home.
Installing a cat flap on the brick wall could be problematic too, as if you drill into a soft part of the wall, this could create problems for pipes and cables that go through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after you have measured your cat. Utilizing your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and draw around it using a pencil to mark the spot where the hole will need to be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat may have difficulty getting out and in, and if you place it too high, your cat may not be able to observe what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to place the flap as close as possible to their stomach.
It is important to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This can cause problems with damp and draughts. If you're unfamiliar in masonry work it may be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance.
Next then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to enter it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if someone's on the inside to help them). Once they've passed, you can start letting them in and out as they please.
It's important that you don't push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this could result in them getting scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and even more scared if their tail is caught in it when they attempt to leave. Cats also return home to look for intruders, and leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is recommended when your cat or kitten is able to use it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the cat flap after it's installed. This will take time, but with patience and some treats to encourage them, they will eventually get grasp of it. You may also want to put a lock in the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when you're away from home.
Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It will need to be put in a spot that opens up into an area of protection in your garden. This will help your cat feel safer as they leave and enter the home and will also stop other animals from entering your home.
You should also consider the height of the flap. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly to ensure that they can get through easily. You can also set steps on either side of the entrance to assist your cat pass through.
Once you've decided where you want to place the cat flap then you can measure the door using a pencil and mark the location. This will allow you to determine the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with an Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to ensure your health from inhaling dust. After the square is cut then sand the edges the door. This will give an even edge.
After you've finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. visit the next page should put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. Then, you should carefully insert the flap inside the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.