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. Open the flap and let them 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 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 out without you having to let them in or out. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the home.
Prepare the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to when you begin. It will be much easier to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. Also, you should take away any furniture or decorations that might hinder your installation.
When preparing the area you must take measurements and mark the location where you intend to put the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy your wall or door. It is best to place the cat flap somewhere that is easily accessible for your cat, yet doesn't compromise the strength of the structure of your home.
The cat flap can be put in a door leading to a space that is closed such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from being able to jump over it and will allow you to keep the cats safe from any possible dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for your cat is not too low to be used by the smaller cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a flap that is higher.
It is a good idea to hire an expert handyman if you have a sliding door or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap in these windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes could result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the door or window's structural strength.
You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area to be used for the flap. This will enable you to accurately cut out the opening for the cat flap. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to make sure it's horizontal. Review the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach upvc door panel with cat flap fitted to the door so that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line you've drawn and is aligned with the centre 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 enter and leave the house. You can pick from a variety of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for you and your pets.
It is important to take measurements of your windows or doors before you buy the new cat flap. This way you will be able to ensure that the hole will to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to determine the size of the opening by blocking off a portion 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 that the flap is installed at a level that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low they might have difficulty getting through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will give the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit-level, a straight edge can be used in place.
It is recommended to employ an experienced glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these types of doors are normally hardened, and drilling into them could damage the integrity of the glass and could cause it to shatter in the future, which could be a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in brick walls can be problematic too, as drilling into a soft part of the wall, this could cause issues with pipes and cables that go through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap for them, it's time to mark the location where the hole should go. Make use of your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, then mark the center point. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include a centre line, photocopy it and draw around it using a pencil to mark the location where the hole must be cut.
If the cat flap is set too low, your cat will have difficulty getting out and in, and should you put it too high, the cat may not be able to see what's going on outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to position the flap as close as you can to their belly.
It is crucial to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This could cause issues with draughts and damp. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you aren't familiar with masonry.
Then, prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've passed, you can start letting them in and out as you please.
It is important not to push your kitten or cat through the flap too quickly because this can cause them to become scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and be even more scared if their tail is caught in it as they try to exit. Cats also return home to check for intruders. Leaving the door open is risky. Your pet could be attacked by a cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is best for your cat or kitten if it is able to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it is installed. It may take some time however, with patience and some treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get habit of it. You might also want to install a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you are away from home.
The first thing you should do is decide where you would like to put the cat flap in your door. It will need to be put in a spot that opens into an area of protection in your garden. This will allow your cat to feel safer as they leave and enter the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home.
You should also be aware of the height of your flap for your cat. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they are able to pass through. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to place the cat flap then you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the location. This will allow you to determine the location you will need to cut. Then, you will need to cut an area around the door with a Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as breathing in dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut then sand the edges the door. This will give a smooth edge.
After you've finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then, you should carefully insert the flap inside the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.