How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure the cut-out is level and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed at home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from inside to the outside, without needing to allow them in or out. It also stops them from fighting over the cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house itself.
Set up cat flap installers near me in which you'll install your cat flap prior to begin. This is because removing any obstacles from the area will help you to work. You will also want to remove any furniture or decorations that could hinder your work.
In preparing the area, you will need to determine the exact location and measurement you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could ruin your door or wall. It is best to place the cat flap in a place that is easy for your pets, but doesn't compromise the integrity of your home's structure.
The cat flap can be put on the doorway leading to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and also keep your cats away from potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for your cat is low enough to be used by your smaller cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned sash window, it might be a good idea to employ an experienced handyman to do the job. It can be difficult to install an animal flap on these windows and doors, and mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap with care and without harming the structural integrity of the door or window.
To mark the space for the cat flap, you will need to use an ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to ensure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach this to your door so that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you've drawn and is centered on the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows pets to go inside and out of the home. They come in various sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your home and pets.
It's important that you take measurements of your windows or doors before purchasing the new cat flap. You can then be sure that the cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. A good technique is to block off a portion of the door, and then try to walk through it with your pet, this will give you an exact picture of the opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a level that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap install. If your cat flap kit did not come with a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead.
It is recommended to employ a professional glazier put in the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are usually made of toughened glass and drilling into them may damage the integrity of the glass and could result in it breaking in the future, which could pose a security risk 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 cause problems for cables and pipes running through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap then you need to mark where the hole needs to go. Mark the centre of the flap using a spirit level. If the template you've chosen for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with pencil to mark the location where the hole needs to be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to get into and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they may struggle to see what's happening outside. It is best to make it close to your cat's belly as you can, to provide them with the most comfort and security.
You also want to be cautious not to place the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with damp, draughts and stability. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Then window cat flap is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is on the inside encouraging them). Once they've walked through the door then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap in a hurry as this can lead to them getting scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and be even more scared if their tail is caught in it when they attempt to get out. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders, so leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your cat could be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is why it's recommended to install a small cat flap and only if your cat knows to use it.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it's installed. It may take some time but with patience and some treats to encourage them, they will eventually get the hang of it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want additional security, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.
Choose the location where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be put in a spot that can open up to an area of protection in your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure as they move into and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.
Another thing to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap on your cat. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they are able to traverse through. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to assist your cat get through it more easily.
Once you have determined where you want to place the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will allow you to determine the best place you need to cut. The next step is to cut a square into the door using a Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask while working on this, as inhaling the dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut, it is necessary to sand around the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you've finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The flap should be placed so that the lock, if it has one, is located on the side of your door. Drill the screw holes in the event that there are any on the door. Then you can carefully place the flap into the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.