How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they become familiar with the size and shape. upvc cat flap door panels should be opened and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap inside your home is beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between the indoors and outdoors without you having to let them in or out. It can also stop them fighting over the cat food and litter box or even the door to the house itself.
The first thing you will need to do prior to starting your cat flap install is prepare the area in which it will be located. This is because removing any obstacles from the area will help you to work. You will also want to take away any furniture or other decorations that might hinder your installation.
When you are preparing the space you must determine the exact location and measurement you are planning to install the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making an error that could damage the wall or door. Ideally, you will want to put the cat flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cat, yet doesn't affect the structural integrity of your home.
A great location to place the cat flap is in an entrance that leads to a closed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent your cat from soaring over it and will protect your cat from potential dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for your smallest cat to use, since larger cats might struggle to jump through a higher flap.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old style sash window, it might be best to hire an expert handyman for the job. It can be difficult to install a cat flap on these windows and doors and a mistake could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structural integrity.
You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area for the flap. This will enable you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after you've drawn the line to make sure it's horizontal. Review the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to the door in a way that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you've drawn and is aligned with the center point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also referred to as a dog's door, is a small opening located at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It allows pets to leave and enter the house. They are available in different sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your home and pet.
Before you buy an animal flap, you need to measure precisely the size of your doors or window where you intend to install it. You will then be able to ensure that the cat flap will fit and the hole will be the correct size. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by blocking 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 lowest point of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it is too low, they could struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should try to create 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 install. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit-level, a straight edge could be used in place.
When putting the cat flap onto a glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and result in them breaking. This could create an security risk to your home.
Installing a cat flap on the brick wall could be problematic too, as drilling into a soft part of the wall this can cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead expensive repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them It's time to mark where the hole should go. Utilizing your spirit level to ensure that it's in line with the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit does not include the centre line, copy it and draw around it using pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to climb into and out of the home, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure, it is best to position the flap as close as is possible to their belly.
It is essential to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This could result in problems with draughts and damp. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance when you're not experienced with masonry.
Next step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is inside, to encourage them). Once they've passed then you can begin letting them in and out as you want.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to become scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your kitten or cat. They'll be more terrified if their tail is caught in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders, and leaving the door open could be dangerous. Your cat could be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is why it's recommended to put up a small cat flap and only when your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's been installed. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats for an incentive, your cat will eventually learn to utilize it. Install a lock to the cat flap if you need extra security, particularly in bad weather or when you're away from home.
Choose the location where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be put in a spot that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they leave and enter the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Also, you should be aware of the height of your flap for your cat. It should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly to ensure that they can get through the door easily. You can also place steps either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through.
Once you've decided where you would like to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you will need to cut out a square on the door using an Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while working on this, as breathing in dust could be harmful to your health. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
Once you have finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. The flap must be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is located on the side of your door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill them into the hole. Then, you should carefully insert the cat flap into the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.