How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to become familiar with its size and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from every angle.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it allows them to move freely between indoors and out without needing to let them in or out. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the home.
The first thing that you must do before starting your cat flap install is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be placed. It will be simpler to work in the event that you remove any obstructions. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that could hinder your installation.
You'll be required to trace and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. cat flap installation near me will prevent you from making a mistake which could ruin your wall or door. It is best to put the flap somewhere that is easy for your cat, yet doesn't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
A good spot to put the cat flap is in a door that leads to an enclosed space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from jumping over it, and also keep your cats away from dangers. It is also important to ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by the small cat, since larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
It could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman when you have sliding doors or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap in these types of windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes could result in costly damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap in a safe manner without compromising the structural integrity of the door or window.
To mark out cat flap double glazing to place the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or a tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line marked with a spirit-level, use it to ensure that it is perfectly horizontal. Check the instructions included with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach it to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allows pets to go inside and out of the house. They come in a variety of sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your home and pets.
Before you buy a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors where you intend to install it. This way you will be able to ensure that the hole is going 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 is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure the flap is placed at a height where your cats are at ease. If it's too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should use a spirit-level to assist you with this, but if the directions that came with your cat flap kit do not include this, a straight edge will do just as well.
When you are installing the cat flap onto a glass or UPVC window or door, it's best to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. This is because these types of doors are typically hardened, and drilling into them may weaken the integrity of the glass and may lead to it shattering in the future, which could pose a security hazard for your home.
Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be problematic too, as when you drill into a soft area of the wall, this could cause issues with pipes and cables that run through the property. This can result in costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap It's time to mark where the hole needs to go. Mark the center of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the location where the hole will be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat could struggle to get into and out. Likewise, if you place it too high, the cat might not be able to observe what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat is secure and safe it is recommended to put the flap as close as possible to their belly.
It is crucial to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with damp and draughts. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with masonry.
Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is inside, helping them). Once they've done it you can let them in and out as you please.
It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to become scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and be even more scared if their tail is caught in it as they attempt to leave. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check on any invaders, so leaving the door open during this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat that they know. Installing a cat door that is small is recommended 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 but with patience and some treats to encourage them, they will eventually get the habit of it. You may also want to put a lock on the flap to provide security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you are out of the house.
Decide where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a spot that opens onto a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure as they come into and out of your home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.
It is also important to take into consideration the height of the flap for your cat. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to move through. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door to assist your cat get through it more easily.
Once you've determined where you want to put the cat flap, measure the door and mark it with the pencil. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you'll need to cut out a square on the door using an Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling dust could be harmful to your health. Once the square is cut into pieces, it is essential to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you've completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap inside your door. The flap must be put in a position where the lock, if there is one, is located on the inside of your door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. Then, carefully place the cat flap into the hole, making sure that it fits snuggly.