How To Install A Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's put in place so that they get used to the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.

Make sure the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.

Preparation

Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial for the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it lets them to freely move between indoors and out without you having to allow them to enter or exit. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the home.

Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to when you begin. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. You should also take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with the installation.

You'll be required to mark and measure the area in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making mistakes that could destroy the wall or door. It is best to put the flap in a place that is easily accessible to your pets, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home.

The cat flap can be put on the doorway leading to a locked space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and will protect your pets from dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as taller cats may struggle to jump through a higher flap.

If you have sliding patio doors or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be an ideal idea to employ an expert handyman for the task. It isn't easy to install an animal flap on these doors and windows and a mistake can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap in a safe manner without damaging the structural strength 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 the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to ensure it's horizontal. Then, go through the directions included in the cat flap cost flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to the door in a way that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the center point of the door.

Measurement

A cat flap sometimes known as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits a pet to go inside and out of the house. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet and you.

It is essential to take measurements of your windows or doors before you buy the new cat flap. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole will to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. A good technique is to block off a part of the door and then try to walk through 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 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's too low, they may struggle to get through and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.

Generally you should aim to 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 installation. The best option is to use a spirit-level to help you with this, but if the directions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then a straight edge will do equally well.

When fitting the cat flap into a glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire an experienced glazier to complete this for you. This is because these kinds of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them may compromise the strength of the glass and may cause it to shatter in the future which could pose a security hazard for your home.

It is also difficult to install a cat flap inside a brick wall, as drilling into a soft area of the wall can cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from outside.

Marking

After you've measured your cat kitten to determine the appropriate size flap, it's time to mark the location where the hole should go. Mark the center of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the location where the hole will be cut.

Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it could be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of the home, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what is happening outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure, it is best to position the flap as close as possible to their belly.

It is also important to be aware not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts, and stability. If you're not familiar in masonry work, it might be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance.

Then you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is in the room to encourage them). Once they've walked through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.

It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to become scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing could cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They'll be more scared if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats also tend to return home to check for intrusions, so having the door open during this time could pose a risk since it could lead to your pet being attacked by another cat that they know. Installing the door for your cat is best if your kitten or cat knows how to use it.

Installation

It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the cat flap once it is installed. It may take some time, but with patience, and a few treats as an incentive, your cat will eventually be able to utilize it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want extra security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.

Choose the location where you'd like to put the double glazing cat flap flap on your door. This will need to be in a location that can open up to an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will allow your cat to feel secure as they enter and exit the home and will also prevent other animals from entering your home.

You should also take into consideration the height of the cat flap. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they are able to traverse through. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door to help your cat navigate it with ease.

After you have determined where you want to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will give you an idea of the best place to cut. Then, you will need to cut an area on the door using an Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will give a smooth edge.

Once you have completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap in your door. The cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.