How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening of the cat flap The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to move from the inside to the outside without having allow them in or out. It also stops them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the home.
Make sure you have the space where you plan to install your cat flap prior to begin. It will be much easier to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. You should also take away any furniture or decorations that could hinder your installation.
You will be required to trace and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could damage your door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a spot that is accessible for your pets, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The cat flap can be placed in a door leading to a closed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and also protect your pets from dangers. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, since larger cats may have difficulty to climb over a flap that is higher.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old style sash window, it could be best to employ an expert handyman for the task. It can be difficult to install a cat flap on these doors and windows and any mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with care and without compromising the structural strength of the window or door.
To determine the space to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to accurately cut out the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach it to the door so that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you have drawn and is centered on the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as a pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allows a pet to go inside and out of the home. They are available in different sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your house and pets.
It is important to take measurements of your windows or doors before purchasing a new cat flap. This way, you can ensure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. A good technique is to block off a part of the door and try to walk through with your pet. This will give you an accurate picture of the opening size (width).
It is also advisable to take the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure the flap is placed at a height where your cats feel comfortable. If it is too low, they could struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. If the cat flap kit you purchased didn't include a spirit-level, a straight edge can be used instead.
It is best to have a professional glazier put in the cat flap in a UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are typically toughened, and drilling can compromise their strength and result in them breaking. This could create an security risk to your home.
Installing a cat flap on brick walls can be a problem, too, since if you drill into a soft part of the wall, it could cause issues with pipes and cables that go through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks or weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat. Mark the centre of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, use a pencil to draw around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut.
If the cat flap is set too low, your cat could be unable to get in and out, and if you place it too high, your cat may not be able to see what's happening outside. It is recommended to make it close to your cat's belly as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
You also want to be careful not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause problems with draughts, damp and stability. If you're unfamiliar working with masonry it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by pointing out where they should go (it is helpful if someone else is in the room to encourage them). Once they've passed you can let them in and out as they please.
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 getting scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk or snap when the flap closes, and even more terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they try to exit. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders, and leaving the door open could be dangerous. Your pet may be attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat knows to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is installed It is essential to teach your cat how to use it. It may take some time however, with patience and some treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get the grasp of it. You might also want to install a lock on the cat flap for added security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you are away from the house.
Decide where you'd like 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 when they leave and enter the house and can keep other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height that you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to move through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to put the cat flap then you can measure the door with an eraser and mark the spot. This will help you determine the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door using the jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
When you are done sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if it has one, is located on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, then drill them into place. Then you can carefully place the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.