How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can become familiar with its dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening of the cat flap The distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
A cat flap in your home is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. This is because it lets them to freely move between indoors and outside without you having to let them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the house.
Make sure you have the space where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to take away any furniture or other decorations that might get in the way of your installation.
You'll need to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake which could damage your wall or door. You should put the cat flap in a place that is accessible for your cat, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The best place to put the cat flap is an entrance that leads to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from tripping over it and also keep your cats away from potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as larger cats might struggle to leap through the flap.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be a good idea to employ an expert handyman for the task. It can be difficult to install the cat flap on these doors and windows and a mistake can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with out damaging the structural integrity.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after you've drawn the line to make sure it's horizontal. After that, read the instructions included with your cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as a pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits a pet to leave and enter the house. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet and you.
It's important that you take measurements of your doors or windows before you buy a new cat flap. You can then be sure that the cat flap will fit and the hole will be the right size. An effective method is to block off a section of the door and then try to walk through it with your pet, this will give you an exact idea of the opening size (width).
It is also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at the right place for your cat to feel comfortable. If it's too low, they may struggle to pass through. If Repair My Windows And Doors 's too high, they might not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should strive to create your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. The best option is to utilize a spirit level to aid you in this but if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then a straight edge can work the same job.
It's best to hire a professional glazier put in the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these types of doors are typically hardened, and drilling into them could damage the integrity of the glass and could cause it to shatter in the future which could be a security risk for your home.
Installing a cat flap on the brick wall could be a problem, too, since when you drill into a soft part of the wall, this could cause problems with pipes and cables that go through the property. This can lead expensive repairs, or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap then you need to mark where the hole will be. Utilizing your spirit level to make sure it runs parallel to the door, then mark the centre point. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, 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 flap for your cat is set too low, your cat will struggle to get into and out. Likewise, if you place it too high, the cat might not be able to observe what's going on outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure it is recommended to put the flap as close as you can to their belly.
You also want to be careful not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with damp, draughts and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance when you're not experienced with masonry.
Then, prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by showing them where to go (it helps if someone's in the room to encourage them). Once they've made their way through it and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to let them in and out at will.
You should not push your kitten or cat through the flap too fast because this can cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They will be even more terrified if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders, and leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet may be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. Installing the door for your cat is best when your cat or kitten is able to use it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the flap once it's been installed. It will take some time however, with patience and some treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get the grasp of it. It is also possible to install a lock on the flap to provide security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you're away from home.
Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It must be in a location that opens out into an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they move into and out of the house, and also keep other animals out of your home.
Another consideration is the height you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in accordance with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door to assist your cat move through it with ease.
Once you have decided where you would like to place the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square into the door using a jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be harmful to your health. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will give an even edge.
After you've finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the side of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill them into the hole. You should then carefully place the flap in the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.