How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap 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 allows them to freely move between indoors and outside without having to let them in or out. It also stops them from fighting over the litter box and cat food, or even the door to the house.
The first thing that you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is to prepare the area in which it will be installed. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and decorations that could hinder the installation.
You'll need to trace and measure the area in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could damage your wall or door. It is best to put the cat flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't harm the strength of the structure of your home.
The cat flap can be put in a door leading to a closed space like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent the cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep the cats safe from any possible dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since larger cats may have difficulty to leap through a higher flap.
It could be a good option to employ an experienced handyman if you have sliding doors or sash window that is old-fashioned. It can be difficult to install a cat flap on these windows and doors, and mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the door or window's structural strength.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn with a spirit-level, use it to ensure that it is perfectly horizontal. Review the instructions that came along with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also referred to as a dog's door, is a small hole at the bottom of external doors or windows. It allows pets to leave and enter the house. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet.
Before you buy a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the dimensions of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. You can then be sure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and that the hole will be the right size. One method is to block off a part of the door and then try to walk through it with your pet, this will give you an accurate picture of the opening size (width).
cat flaps for french doors is also recommended to take the height of your cat from the floor to the bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a level that your cats are comfortable using. If it's too low, they might have difficulty getting through, and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.
In general, you should aim to create your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. The best option is to use a spirit level to assist you with this, however if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge can work just as well.
When you are installing the cat flap to glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. This is because these types of doors are typically toughened and drilling into them could weaken the integrity of the glass and possibly lead to it shattering in the future which could pose a security risk for your home.
Putting a cat flap into brick walls can be problematic too, as if you drill into a soft part of the wall, this could cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If your template for the cat flap kit doesn't include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate the location where the hole will be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat could be unable to get in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat may not be able to observe what's going on outside. To ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable it is recommended to place the flap as close as possible to their belly.
It is important to avoid placing a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with draughts and damp. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Next you should prop the door open and 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 done it then you can begin letting them in and out as they please.
You should not push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because it could cause them to be scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk and snap when the flap closes, and even more scared if their tail is caught in it as they attempt to leave. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders. Leaving the door open can be risky. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. This is why it's recommended to put up a small cat flap only and only when your cat or kitten knows to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it's installed. It will take some time but with patience and a few treats as an incentive your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. Install a lock on the cat flap if your pet needs additional security, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.
The first thing you should decide where you would like to put the cat flap in your door. It should be placed in a location that opens into an area of protection in your garden. This will allow your cat to feel secure as they exit and enter the home and will keep other animals from entering your home.
Also, you should take into consideration the height of the cat flap. It should be in line with your cat's belly measurement, to ensure that they can pass through with ease. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to help your cat get through it with ease.
Once you've chosen the location you would like to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will provide you with an idea of the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with a Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask, to keep your health safe from dust inhalation. After the square has been cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will create a smooth edge.
When you are done the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap in such 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 can carefully place the flap into the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.