How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they can become familiar with its size and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level 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 to the health and well-being of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without you needing to let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over the litter box and cat food or even the entrance to the house.
Prepare the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to when you begin. This is because eliminating any obstructions from the area will help you to work. It is also important to take away any furniture or other decorations that could get in the way of the installation.
You will need to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could ruin your wall or door. You will want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats, but won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a closed space such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from tripping over it and will keep your cats away from dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as larger cats might struggle to climb over the flap.
It might be a wise idea to employ a professional handyman when you have a sliding door or a sash window that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these types of windows and doors isn't easy and mistakes could lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structural strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Once you have the line marked using a spirit level, you can use it to ensure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is aligned with the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog door, is a small hole at the bottom of doors or windows. It lets pets enter and exit the house. You can pick from a variety of sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you.
Before you purchase a cat flap it's important to measure precisely the size of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. This way you can ensure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a portion of the door and try to walk through with your pet, this will give you an accurate idea of the passage opening size (width).
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest point of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a level that your cat is comfortable with. If it is too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to use a spirit level to aid you in this but if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then straight edges will work just as well.
It is best to have an experienced glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass door or window. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could compromise their strength and result in them breaking. This could pose the risk of security for your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap on brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall can create issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark where the hole needs to go. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to trace around the template to mark where the hole should be cut.
If cat flap installation cost for your cat is set too low, your cat may have difficulty getting out and in, and should you put it too high, the cat may not be able to see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels safe and comfortable it is recommended to place the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
It is also important to be careful not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts, and stability. It's worth getting professional help when you're not experienced with the masonry.
Next step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is inside, encouraging them). Once they've made it through the door then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry because this could result in them becoming scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause injuries to your kitten or cat. They will be even more scared if the tail is stuck in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check for invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could be a problem because it could result in your pet being attacked by a cat they know. This is the reason it's best to put up a small cat flap and only if your cat is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the flap is in place It is essential to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time however, with patience and some treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get habit of it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want additional security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
Decide where you want to put the cat flap on your door. It must be placed in a place that opens into an area of protection in your garden. This will make your cat feel secure as they leave and enter the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height that you'd like to place the cat flap at. It should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they can traverse through. You can also put steps on either side of the entrance to assist your cat to get through.
Once you've decided on where you want to place the cat flap, you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will help you determine the location you need to cut. Then, you'll need to cut an area on the door using a jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to ensure your health from dust inhalation. After cutting the square and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you've completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap such that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.