How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they be familiar with the size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial for the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it lets them to freely move between indoors and outside without you having to let them in or out. cat flap install stops them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the house.
The first thing you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is to make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be located. It will be easier to work in the event that you remove any obstructions. Also, you should take away any furniture or other decorations that could get in the way of your installation.
You will have to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could cause damage to the door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a place that is accessible to your cat, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home.
The best place to put the cat flap is in an entrance that leads to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from being able to jump over it and will allow you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as larger cats may have difficulty to jump through a higher flap.
It is a good option to employ an experienced handyman if you own sliding doors or sash window that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these types of windows and doors isn't easy, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap with care and without harming the structural strength of the door or window.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the cat flap. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as a pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits a pet to leave and enter the house. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet.
It is essential to take measurements of your doors or windows before purchasing the new cat flap. You can then be sure that the cat flap will fit and that the hole will be the correct size. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet.
Going Listed here is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest point of their belly. 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 and if it's high, they might not be able 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 secure and stable installation of your cat flap. If the cat flap kit you purchased didn't come with a spirit level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used in place.
When fitting the cat flap to glass or UPVC door or window it is best to employ an experienced glazier to complete this for you. This is because these kinds of doors are typically hardened, and drilling into them could compromise the strength of the glass and may lead to it shattering in the future which could pose a security risk for your home.
Installing a cat flap on a brick wall can be problematic too, as drilling into a soft section of the wall, it could create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them then you need to mark the location where the hole should go. Use your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
If the cat flap is set too low, your cat will have difficulty getting out and in, and when you set it too high, the cat might not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to position the flap as close as possible to their stomach.
It is also important to be cautious not to place a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause issues with damp, draughts and stability. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Then you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to encourage them). Once they've walked through the door then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this could lead to them being scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and even more scared if their tail gets stuck in the flap as they try to exit. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders, so leaving the door open is dangerous. Your cat could 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
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's installed. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get the habit of it. You might also want to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.
Decide where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be in a location that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will make your cat feel safer as they enter and exit the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to take into consideration the height of the flap for your cat. It should be in the same space as the measurement of your cat's belly, as this will ensure that they can pass through the door easily. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
Once you have decided where you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will help you determine where to cut. The next step is to cut a square into the door with an jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask, to keep your health safe from dust inhalation. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will create a smooth edge.
After you've finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. You should put the cat flap inside such that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes in the event that there are any on the door. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.