How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they get used to the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout 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 to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to move from inside to the outside, without needing to allow them to enter or leave. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the home.
Make sure you have the space in which you'll install your cat flap prior to when you begin. This is because removing obstructions from the area will make it easier for you to work. You should also take away any furniture or decorations that might hinder the installation.
You will be required to trace and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake which could damage your door or wall. It is important to place the cat flap in a spot that is accessible for your cats, but won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be set in a door that leads to a closed space such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and will protect your cat from potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for cats is not too low to be used by the small cat, since taller cats will struggle leaping through a flap that is higher.
It is a good idea to hire an expert handyman if you own sliding doors or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structure of the window or door's integrity.
To mark out the area to place the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut the flap's opening. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits a pet to leave and enter the home. You can choose from a variety sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you.
Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of your window or door in which you're planning to put it. This way you will be able to ensure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by cutting off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It's also recommended to determine 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 level that your cats are comfortable with. If it is too low, they may struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be able to use the flap.
In general, you should try to make your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should use a spirit-level to help you with this, however if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit do not include this, straight edges will work the same job.
cat flap double glazing is recommended to hire a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. These doors are usually toughened, and drilling can weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could be the risk of security for your home.
Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be a problem, too, since if you drill into a soft section of the wall, this could create problems for pipes and cables that run through the property. This can lead expensive repairs or leaks, or even weather damage from outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap then you need to mark the location where the hole will be. Mark the centre of the flap with your spirit level. If the template you've chosen 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 location where the hole needs to be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to go in and out of your house, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what is happening outside. It is recommended to get it as close to the height of your cat's belly as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
It is also important to be aware not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it can lead to problems with draughts, damp and stability. If double glazing cat flap working with masonry, it might be beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've made it through then you can begin letting them in and out as you want.
It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because it could cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap, and squeak of the door closing could cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They'll be more scared if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check for intruders so having the door open at this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is best for your cat or kitten if it is able to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is set, it is important to teach your cat to use it. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats for an incentive, your cat will eventually be able to use it. It is also possible to install a lock on the flap for extra security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when away from home.
The first thing you need to determine where you would like to put the cat flap on your door. It must be located in a place that opens out into a sheltered area of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they come in and out of the house, and also prevent other animals from accessing your home.
Another factor to consider is the height that you'd like to place the flap on your cat. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they can get through with ease. You can also set steps on either side of the entrance to assist your cat to get through.
Once you have decided where you would like to put the flap, measure the door and mark it with the pencil. This will help you decide the location you need to cut. Then, you'll need to cut an area around the door with the aid of a Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling dust can be dangerous to your health. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
Once you have finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. The flap must be put in a position where the lock, if it has one, is on the side of your door. Drill the screw holes should there be any on the door. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure that it is snugly in place.