How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can get used to the size 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 the door and align them with the cat flap opening The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. It will allow your pet to move from the inside to the outside, without needing to allow them to enter or leave. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the entrance to the house.
Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to begin. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. Also, you should take away any furniture or other decorations that might get in the way of your work.
You will be required to trace and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could cause damage to the door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a place that is accessible for your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
A great spot to put the cat flap is inside the doorway leading to a closed space, such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from being able to jump over it and allows you to keep the cats from any potential dangers. Also, make sure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by the smallest cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman when you have sliding doors or sash window that is old-fashioned. It isn't easy to install a cat flap on these windows and doors, and mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structure of the window or door's strength.
To mark out the area for the cat flap, you'll need an ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height 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 ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Follow cat flap fitters that came along with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allows pets to enter and leave the house. They come in various sizes and materials so that you can pick the right one for your home and pet.
It is important to measure your windows or doors prior to purchasing the new cat flap. You can then be sure that the cat flap will fit and that the hole will be the right size. One method is to block off a portion of the door and try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you a precise idea of the opening size (width).
It is also advisable to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a level that your cats are comfortable using. If it's too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they might not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should try to create your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will provide the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit-level, a straight edge could be used in place.
When putting the cat flap onto a glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ a professional glazier to do this for you. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally hardened, and drilling into them can compromise the strength 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 when you drill into a soft part of the wall, it could cause problems with pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat. Make use of your spirit level to make sure it runs flush with the door, then mark the center point. If the template you've chosen for the cat flap doesn't include the centre line, copy it and draw around it with pencil to mark the spot where the hole needs to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat may be unable to get in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat might not be able see what's going on outside. It is recommended to get it close to your cat's belly as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
It is also important to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause problems with damp, draughts and stability. If you're unfamiliar working with masonry it's worth seeking professional help.
Then then, open the door and then encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by pointing out where they should go (it helps if there's someone in the room to encourage them). Once they've made it through you can let them go in and out as you would like.
It's crucial to not force your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this could lead to them being scared. They could be injured by the clunk or snap as it closes, and they could be scared if their tail gets caught in it as they attempt to leave. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders, so leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your cat could be attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat knows to use it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the cat flap once it's installed. It will take a while but with patience and a few treats to provide encouragement, your cat will eventually learn how to use it. It is also possible to install a lock on the flap to provide security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when away from the house.
Decide where you want to place the cat flap on your door. This will need to be located in a place that opens out into a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure as they come into and out of the house, and also prevent other animals from accessing your home.
Also, you should consider the height of the cat flap. It should be in the same space as the measurement of your cat's belly, as this will ensure that they can get through with ease. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat pass through.
Once you've determined where you'd like to place the cat flap You can measure the door with an eraser and mark the location. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door using the Jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask, to protect your health from dust inhalation. After cutting the square and trimmed, you must smooth the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
Once you have finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. The cat flap should be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the side of your door. Drill the screw holes should there be any on the door. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.