How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can become familiar with the size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the cat flap opening The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it lets them to freely move between the indoors and outdoors without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the home.
Make sure you have the space in which you'll install your cat flap before you begin. It will be much easier to work with if you eliminate any obstacles. Also, you should take away any furniture or other decorations that might get in the way of your work.
In preparing the area, you will need to measure and mark out where you intend to put the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making an error that could damage the wall or door. It is best 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 great location to place the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from being able to jump over it and will allow you to keep the cats safe from any possible dangers. The flap should be low enough for your smallest cat to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to jump through the flap.
It could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman when you have a sliding door or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these types of windows and doors isn't easy, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural integrity.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area for the flap. This will allow you to accurately cut out the opening for the cat flap. Once you have the line marked with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits pets to enter and leave the home. They are available in various sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your house and pets.
It's important that you measure your windows or doors before purchasing a new cat flap. This way, you can be sure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this method to determine the width of the opening by cutting off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It is also advisable to take the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a height your cats are comfortable using. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through. If it's too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will give the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap installation. The best option is to use a spirit-level to aid you in this, but if the directions included with your cat flap kit don't have this then a straight edge can work equally well.
It's best to hire an experienced 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 cause them to shatter. This could be a security threat for your home.
Putting a cat flap into a brick wall can be problematic too, as if you drill into a soft part of the wall, this could cause issues with pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or leaks, or even weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark the location where the hole should go. Mark the center of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it using pencil to mark the spot where the hole will need to be cut.
Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to climb in and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they might struggle to see what's going on outside. It is best to get it close to your cat's belly height as you can, to provide them with the maximum comfort and security.
It is also important to be careful not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts and stability. If you're not experienced with masonry work, it might be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance.
Next, prop the door open and encourage your cat kitten to enter it by showing them where to go (it helps if someone's on the inside to encourage them). Once they've passed, you can start letting them in and out as you want.
You should not push your kitten or cat through the flap too quickly because it could cause them to become scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk and snap when the flap closes, and even more terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they attempt to get out. Cats also are known to return home to look for intruders so having the door open during this time could pose a risk as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat that they know. This is why it's recommended to install an uninspiring cat flap and only when your cat or kitten is aware of its use.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It will take some time but with patience and a few treats as encouragement, your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want extra security, particularly in the event of bad weather or 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 opens into an area of protection in your garden. This will help your cat feel secure as they exit and enter the home and will keep other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to traverse through. You can also place steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat get through.
Once you've decided where you'd like to place the cat flap, you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will allow you to determine where to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door using a jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when doing this, since inhaling the dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
When cat flaps for french doors are done the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then you can carefully place the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.