How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they become familiar with its size and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap inside your home is beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. It allows your pet to move from the inside to the outside without you having let them in or leave. It can also stop them fighting over litter box and cat food, or even the door to the house.
The first thing that you will need to do prior to beginning the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area in which it will be placed. It will be easier to work in the event that you remove any obstructions. You will also want to take away any furniture or other decorations that could hinder the installation.
In preparing the area you must determine the exact location and measurement you are planning to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake that could ruin 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 cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a space that is closed such as your closet or laundry room. This will prevent the cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. You should also ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by the small cat, since larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old style windows with sash, it might be best to hire an expert handyman for the task. It can be difficult to install the cat flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structure of the window or door's integrity.
To determine the space for the cat flap you'll need a ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn, use a spirit level to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. Check the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to the door so that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the centre point 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 lets pets leave and enter the home. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet.
Before you purchase a cat flap, it is important to measure precisely the size of your window or door in which you're planning to put it. This way you can be sure that the hole will 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 it with your pet. This will give you an exact idea of the opening size (width).
It is also recommended to take the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a level that your cats are comfortable with. If it is too low, they could struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should aim to create your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for the installation of your cat flap. The best option is to use a spirit-level to help you with this but if the instructions included with your cat flap kit do not include this, straight edges will work the same job.
It's best to have a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these types of doors are typically made of toughened glass and drilling into them could damage the integrity of the glass and possibly cause it to shatter in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap in brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This can result in costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them then you need to mark the location where the hole will be. Use your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the center point. If the template you've chosen for the cat flap doesn't include the centre line, copy it and draw around it with a pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it can make it difficult for your cat to go into and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they may struggle to see what is going on outside. It is best to get it as close to your cat's belly height as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
It is crucial to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. If you're not familiar in masonry work it's beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Then step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is on the inside to encourage them). Once they've made it through you can let them go in and out as you please.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap too quickly because it could cause them to be scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing may cause injury to your cat or kitten. They'll be more scared if the tail gets trapped in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to look for invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could pose a risk as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is the reason it's best to put up an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat knows to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is in place It is crucial to teach your cat how to use it. This will take time however, with patience and some treats to encourage them, they will eventually get the hang of it. You may also want to put a lock in the flap to provide security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when you are out of the house.
Decide where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It must be located in a place that opens out into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they come in and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.
Also, you should take into consideration the height of the flap. It should be in the same area as the measurement of your cat's belly, so that they will be able to pass through with ease. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door, to help your cat navigate it more easily.
After you have determined where you want to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. RepairMyWindowsAndDoors will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you'll have to cut out an area on the door using an jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut, sand the edges of the door. This will create an even edge.
After you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if it has one, is located on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes in the event that there are any on the door. Then you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.