How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle. Ensure the cut-out is even and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap The distance between the edges should be the same. Preparation Installing a cat-proof flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it lets the pet to move freely between the indoors and outdoors without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It will also stop them from fighting over the litter box and cat food or even the door to the house. Make sure you have the space where you plan to install your cat flap prior to begin. It will be simpler to work if you remove any obstructions. It is also important to take away any furniture or decorations that could hinder the installation. You will need to mark and measure the space in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the flap in a place that is easy for your pets, but doesn't affect the integrity of your home's structure. A good location to place the cat flap is inside the doorway leading to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep the cats from any potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, since larger cats may have difficulty to jump through the flap. If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it could be an ideal idea to employ an expert handyman for the task. Installing a cat flap in these windows and doors can be a challenge, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap in a safe manner without compromising the structural integrity of the door or window. You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the cat flap. Once you have the line drawn, use a spirit level to make sure it is completely horizontal. Follow the directions that came with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach cat flap fitting to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line you've drawn and is centered on the centre point of the door. Measurement A cat flap, sometimes referred to as a pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow a pet to go inside and out of the house. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet. It is important to measure your windows or doors before 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 method to determine the width of the opening by securing off a portion and walking through it with your pet. It is also advisable 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 cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap at all. In general, you should aim to make your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. If your cat flap kit didn't include a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead. It's best to employ an experienced glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them may compromise the strength of the glass and may result in it breaking in the future which could pose a security risk for your home. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap on brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can lead expensive repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage from outside. Marking Mark the hole in which you require it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the center of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate where the hole should be cut. Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it could make it difficult for your cat to go in and out of your house, and if the flap is too high, they may be unable to see what's happening outside. It is best to make it as close to your cat's belly as you can, to provide them with the greatest comfort and security. It is crucial to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This could result in problems with draughts and damp. If you're not experienced with masonry work it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance. Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is on the inside to encourage them). Once they've passed you can let them in and out as you would like. It's crucial to not force your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this can lead to them being scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause harm to your kitten or cat. They'll be more terrified if their tail gets trapped in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders. Leaving the door open is dangerous. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat is aware of using it. Installation It is important to show your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. This will take time however, with patience and a few treats to entice them to do it, they will eventually get hang of it. Install a lock to the cat flap if your pet needs additional security, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home. Decide where you want to put the cat flap on your door. It must be placed in a location that opens into a sheltered part of your garden. This will make your cat feel secure as they exit and enter the house. It can also prevent other animals from entering your home. It is also important to consider the height of the flap. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to move through. You can also consider placing steps either side of the door to help your cat move through it more easily. Once you've determined where you want to place the cat flap then you can measure the door with a pencil and mark the location. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you'll have to cut out a square on the door with a Jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. After the square is cut and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to create smooth edges. Once you have finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. The cat flap inside so 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 should now drill them into the hole. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.