How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed in your home is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. This is because it will allow the pet to move freely between indoors and outside without needing to let them in or out. It also stops them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the house.
Make sure you have the space where you plan to install your cat flap prior to when you begin. This is because eliminating any obstructions from the area will make it easier for you to work. Also, you should remove any furniture and decorations that could hinder your installation.
When preparing the area, you will need to determine the exact location and measurement you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could ruin the door or wall. Ideally, you will want to put the cat flap somewhere that is easy for your cats but that won't affect the integrity of your home's structure.
The best spot to put the cat flap is the doorway leading to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from tripping over it and you can keep your cats away from potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for your cat is not too low to be used by your smaller cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a flap that is higher.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be an ideal idea to employ an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap on these doors and windows can be challenging, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the door or window's structural strength.
To mark out the area to place the cat flap, you'll need an ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable 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 view it now that came with the cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be placed in the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as a pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits pets to leave and enter the house. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the best one for you and your pets.
Before you purchase a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your windows or doors in which you plan to install it. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. An effective method is to block off a section of the door and then try to walk through with your pet, this will give you an accurate picture of the opening size (width).
It is also advisable to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure the flap is placed at a height where your cats are at ease. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through, and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. It is recommended to use a spirit level to help you with this, but if the directions included with your cat flap kit do not include this, straight edges will work the same job.
It's best to employ a professional glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them can compromise the strength of the glass and could cause it to shatter in the future, which could be a security risk for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap on a brick wall, as drilling into a soft area of the wall can create issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap then you need to mark the location where the hole needs to go. Mark the center of the flap with your spirit level. If your template for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then, use more tips here to trace around the template to mark where the hole should be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it could be difficult for your cat to go into and out of the house, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what's happening outside. It is best to try to make it as close to your cat's belly as possible to allow them the most comfort and security.
It is also important to be aware 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. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Then step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. ( upvc door panel replacement cat flap helps if someone is inside, encouraging them). Once they've passed you can let them in and out as you please.
It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this can cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more terrified if their tail gets trapped in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to look for intrusions, so having the door open at this time could pose a risk because it could result in your pet being attacked by a cat that they know. This is the reason it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is set It is essential to show your cat how to use it. This will take time but with patience and some treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get hang of it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want extra security, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.
Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a spot that can open up to an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will help your cat feel safer as they exit and enter the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height that you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to help your cat get through it with ease.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to put the cat flap You can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will help you decide the best place to cut. Then, you'll need to cut an area around the door using an jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while doing this, as inhaling the 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've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. The flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there is one, is located on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should then drill them into place. Then, you should carefully insert the cat flap into the hole, making sure that it fits snuggly.