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 and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it will allow the pet to move freely between the indoors and outdoors without you having to let them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the door to the house.
The first thing that you will need to do prior to beginning your cat flap install is prepare the area in which it will be located. It will be easier to work in the event that you remove any obstructions. You will also want to remove any furniture or decorations that could hinder the installation.
In preparing the area, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you plan on installing the cat flap. cat flap installation near me will stop you from making a mistake that could damage your wall or door. You will want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats, but won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
A great location to place the cat flap is an entrance that leads to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and will keep your cats away from dangers. The flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as taller cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style windows with sash, it might be best to hire a professional handyman for the task. It can be difficult to install the cat flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap with care and without compromising the structural integrity of the window or door.
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 allow you to precisely cut the flap's opening. Once you've marked the line using a spirit level, you can use it to make sure it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach it to your door so that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is centered on the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog door is a small opening located at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It lets pets leave and enter the house. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you.
Before you purchase a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the size of your window or door in which you plan to install it. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. A good technique is to block off a portion of the door and try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an accurate idea of the passage opening size (width).
It is also advisable to take the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to feel comfortable. If it's too low they might struggle to pass through and if it's too high they may be unable to use the flap in any way.
Generally, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't include a spirit-level, a straight edge could be used in place.
It is best to employ a professional glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass door or window. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally hardened, and drilling into them may weaken the integrity of the glass and could lead to it shattering in the future which could be a security risk for your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap inside a brick wall, as drilling into a soft section of the wall can cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat's size. Utilizing your spirit level to ensure that it's flush with the door, then mark the centre point. 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 draw around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat will be unable to get out and in, and if you place it too high, the cat might not be able see what's happening outside. It is best to get it as close to the height of your cat's belly as you can, to provide them with the greatest comfort and security.
It is also important to be cautious not to place a cat flap in too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause problems with draughts, damp and stability. If you're not familiar in masonry work, it might be beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to enter it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if someone's on the inside to encourage them). Once they've made it through, you can start letting them in and out as you would like.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly because this can cause them to be scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause injuries to your kitten or cat. They'll be more scared if the tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders, so leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your pet may be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. Installing the door for your cat is recommended when your cat or kitten knows how to use it.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. This will take time however, with patience and a few treats to entice them to do it, they will eventually get habit of it. Install a lock to your cat flap if your pet needs extra security, particularly in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to decide where you would like to put the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a spot that opens out into a sheltered area of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure when they leave and enter the house and can keep other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height you'd like to set the flap on your cat. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can pass through. You can also place steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat to get through.
After you have chosen the location you would like to place the cat flap Measure the door and mark it with the pencil. This will give you a guide for where to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with the jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection when doing this, since breathing in dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut and trimmed, you must smooth the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
Once you have finished sanding, now replace the cat flap inside your door. You should put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, then drill them into place. You should then carefully place the cat flap into the hole, making sure it fits snugly.