How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's put in place so that they get used to the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure 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 should be the same.
Preparation
A cat flap in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without having allow them in or out. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the home.
window with cat flap that you must do before starting the installation of your cat flap is to make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be located. It will be much easier to work if you remove any obstructions. Also, you should remove any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of your installation.
You will have to mark and measure the space where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake which could ruin your wall or door. It is best to put the cat flap in a place that is easy for your cat, yet doesn't harm the strength of the structure of your home.
The cat flap can be set in a door that leads to a space that is closed, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from being able to jump over it, and allow you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by your small cat, since taller cats will struggle leaping through a higher-height flap.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be an ideal idea to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. Installing a cat flap into these types of windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes could lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the door or window's structural strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the flap's location. This will allow you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after you've drawn the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach it 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 of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog door, is a small opening at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It lets pets leave and enter the home. window with cat flap can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for you and your pets.
Before you buy an animal flap, you need to measure precisely the size of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. This way, you can ensure that the hole will 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 blocking off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height your cats are comfortable with. If it is too low, they may struggle to get through. If it's too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most secure and stable fixings for the installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should use a spirit level to aid you in this, however if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge will do the same job.
It is best to employ an experienced glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass window or door. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and may result in it breaking in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in a brick wall can be problematic, too, because when you drill into a soft area of the wall, this could cause issues with pipes and cables that go through the property. This can lead expensive repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for your cat flap kit does not include a centre line, photocopy it and trace around it using pencil to mark the location where the hole needs to be cut.
If the cat flap is placed too low, your cat could have difficulty getting out and in, and if you place it too high, your cat may not be able see what's going on outside. It is best to make it close to your cat's belly as possible to allow them the greatest comfort and security.
You also want to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with damp, draughts and stability. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Then, prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've walked through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this could lead to them getting scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing may cause injury to your kitten or cat. They will be even more scared if the tail gets caught in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check on any 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 install an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat or kitten is aware of its use.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it's installed. It will take a while but with patience and a few treats as an incentive, your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock to the cat flap if you want extra security, especially during bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing you should decide where you would like to put the cat flap on your door. It will need to be put in a spot that opens up into a sheltered part of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they enter and exit the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to take into consideration the height of the cat flap. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to pass through. It is also possible to put steps either side of the door to assist your cat move through it with ease.
After you have chosen the location you would like to put the flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you an idea of where to cut. Then, you'll have to cut an area on the door using the aid of a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask while working on this, as inhaling dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square, it is necessary to smooth the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
Once you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes in the event that there are any on the door. Then, you should carefully insert the flap inside the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.