How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
A cat flap at home can be 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 to enter or leave. 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'll be installing your cat flap before you begin. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to remove any furniture or decorations that might get in the way of your installation.
You'll be required to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could cause damage to your door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a location that is accessible to your cats, but won't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The best spot to put the cat flap is an entrance that leads to an enclosed space such as your laundry room or closet. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and will protect your pets from dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your smallest cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a flap that is higher.
It might be a wise option to employ an experienced handyman if you own sliding doors or windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap into these windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the door or window's structural strength.
To determine the space to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having drawn the line to make sure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line you've drawn and is aligned with the center point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits a pet to go inside and out of the house. They come in various sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your home and pet.
Before purchasing a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the size of your doors or window where you intend to install it. This way you can ensure that the hole will to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. A good technique is to block off a section of the door, and then try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you a precise idea of the passage opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest point of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a height that your cats are comfortable with. If it's too low, they could struggle to get through. If it's too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should strive to make your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. Ideally you should utilize a spirit level to assist you with this, however if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, a straight edge can work just as well.
It is recommended to have a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could weaken their integrity and result in them breaking. This could pose an security risk to your home.
Installing visit the following page on the brick wall could be problematic, too, because when you drill into a soft part of the wall, it could cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat. Mark the center of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to trace around the template to indicate the location where the hole will be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat will have difficulty getting out and in, and when you set it too high, the cat may not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels secure and safe it is best to place the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
Also, you should be cautious not to place the cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause problems with draughts, damp and stability. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Next you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is on the inside encouraging them). Once they've walked through it then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too quickly because this could result in them becoming scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and be even more scared if their tail gets stuck in the flap as they attempt to get out. Cats also return home to look for intruders, and leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. Installing a small cat door is recommended when your cat or kitten is able to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's been installed. It may take some time however, with patience and a few treats to provide encouragement, your cat will eventually be able to use it. You might also want to put a lock in the flap to provide security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you are out of the house.
Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a location that can open up to an area of protection in 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.
Also, you should take into consideration the height of the cat flap. This should be in accordance with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to move through. It is also possible to put steps either side of the door to help your cat move through it with ease.
Once you've decided where you want to place the cat flap then you can measure the door with an eraser and mark the spot. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with the Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask while doing this, as inhaling dust could be harmful to your health. After the square is cut and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap inside your door. You should put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.