How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can be familiar with the size 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 on your door and align them with the cat flap opening - the distance between the edges must be equal.
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Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without you needing to allow them in or out. It also stops them from fighting over the litter box and cat food or even the entrance to the house.
Prepare the area where you plan to install your cat flap before you begin. This is because removing obstructions from the area will help you to work. It is also important to remove any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of your work.
In preparing the area you must determine the exact location and measurement you intend to put the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy your wall or door. It is important to place the cat flap in a place that is accessible to your cat, but doesn't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be set in a door leading to a closed space such as your laundry room or closet. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and also protect your cat from dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to climb over the flap.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be best to hire a professional handyman for the task. Installing a cat flap on these doors and windows can be challenging and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap with care and without damaging the structural strength of the door or window.
To mark the space for the cat flap you will need to use a ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line marked with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is perfectly horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be centered at the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow a pet to go inside and out of the house. They come in different sizes and materials so that you can pick the right one for your house and pets.
It's important that you measure your windows or doors before purchasing the new cat flap. It is then possible to be certain that the cat flap will fit and the hole will be the correct size. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by securing off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the bottom of their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to feel at ease. If it's too low they might have difficulty getting through and if it's too high they may be unable to use the flap at all.
In general, you should try to drill your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for the installation of your cat flap. The best option is to utilize a spirit level to help you with this, however if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge can work equally well.
When putting the cat flap onto glass or UPVC door or window it's best to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could compromise their strength and result in them breaking. This could be the risk of security for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap in brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs, or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the center of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include the centre line, copy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the spot where the hole needs to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat could struggle to get out and in, and if you place it too high, the cat may not be able to see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat is at ease and secure, it is best to place the flap as close as possible to their stomach.
It is essential to avoid placing a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is nearby encouraging them). Once they've made their way through the door then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
You should not 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 could cause injury to your cat or kitten. They'll be more terrified if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to look for intrusions, so having the door open could be a problem because it could result in your pet being attacked by another cat they are familiar with. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only when your cat or kitten is aware of its use.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it is installed. It will take a while but with patience and a few treats to provide encouragement, your cat will eventually be able to utilize it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want extra security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
Decide where you want to put the cat flap on your door. It must be in a location that opens out into an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will help your cat feel more secure as they go into and out of the home, and will also help to keep other animals from entering your home.
Also, you should take into consideration the height of the flap. It should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to pass through. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door, to help your cat move through it more easily.
Once you've determined where you want to place the cat flap then you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the area. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you will need to cut an area on the door with an Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your health from inhaling dust. After the square is cut, it is necessary to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you have finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be installed so that the lock, if it has one, is on the side of your door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. Then, you should carefully insert the flap in the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.