How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can be familiar with the dimensions 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 on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed in your home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from inside to the outside, without having let them in or leave. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the entrance to the house.
The first thing you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is to prepare the area where it will be placed. visit the up coming post will be much easier to work if you remove any obstacles. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of your installation.
You will have to mark and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will allow you avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cat, yet doesn't affect the integrity of your home's structure.
A great spot to put the cat flap is inside the doorway leading to an enclosed space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from jumping over it and allows you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. Also, make upvc door panels with cat flap that the flap for cats is not too low to be used by the small cat, since taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a flap that is higher.
It is a good idea to employ a professional handyman if you own a sliding door or a sash window that is old-fashioned. It can be difficult to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and a mistake could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with out damaging the structure of the window or door's integrity.
To mark the space for the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after you've marked the line to ensure it's horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with your cat flap kit to find the template. Attach it to the door in a way that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you've drawn and is centered on the center point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows a pet to enter and leave the house. You can pick from a variety of sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you.
Before you buy a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your doors or window where you intend to install it. This way, you can ensure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a part of the door and try to walk through with your pet, this will give you an exact idea of the passage opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height that your cats are comfortable with. 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 at all.
Generally, 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. It is recommended to use a spirit-level to help you with this but if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, straight edges will work equally well.
When you are installing the cat flap onto a glass or UPVC door or window it's best to hire an experienced glazier to complete this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could compromise their strength and lead to them shattering. This could create a security threat for your home.
Placing a cat flap in brick walls can be a problem, too, since when you drill into a soft area of the wall, it could cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark where the hole needs to go. Make use of your spirit level to ensure it is parallel to the door, and then mark the centre point. If your template for the cat flap kit doesn't include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to draw around the template to mark the location where the hole will be cut.
If the flap for your cat is set too low, your cat will have difficulty getting into and out. Likewise, when you set it too high, the cat may not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels secure and safe it is recommended to put the flap as close as possible to their belly.
Also, you should be careful not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it can lead to problems with draughts, damp and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Then, prop the door open and encourage your cat kitten to come through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if someone's on the inside to encourage them). Once they've walked through it, you can slowly start to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It's important that you don't force your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this can lead to them getting scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more terrified if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to check for intrusions, so having the door open could be a problem because it could result in your pet being attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing the door for your cat is recommended when your cat or kitten is able to use it.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It may take some time but with patience and a few treats for encouragement your cat will eventually learn how to use it. Install a lock to your cat flap if your pet needs additional security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to do is decide where you would like to place the cat flap inside your door. It will need to be put in a spot that opens up into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they move in and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.
You should also be aware of the height of your flap. It should be in the same area as the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they will be able to pass through with ease. You can also consider placing steps either side of the door, to help your cat move through it with ease.
Once you've decided on where you want to place the cat flap You can measure the door with an eraser and mark the spot. This will help you determine the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door with a jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask when doing this, since inhaling dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you have finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The flap must be put in a position where the lock, if there is one, is on the side of your door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you should then drill them into place. Then you can carefully place the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.