How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can become familiar with 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 on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap The distance between the edges should be the same. Preparation Installing a cat flap inside your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between indoors and outside without having to allow them to enter or exit. It can also stop them fighting over the cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house. The first thing you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be installed. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier for you to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and decorations that may interfere with the installation. When you are preparing the space it is important to take measurements and mark the location where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will allow you avoid making mistakes that could destroy the wall or door. You should put the cat flap in a spot that is easily accessible to your cat, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home. The cat flap can be put on the doorway leading to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from soaring over it and you can protect your cat from potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to access, as larger cats might struggle to jump through a higher flap. If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be an ideal idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap on these windows and doors isn't easy and mistakes could result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structure of the window or door's integrity. You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the flap's location. This will enable you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn with a spirit-level, use it to ensure it is completely horizontal. Follow the directions that came along with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the center of the door. Measurement A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to go inside and out of the house. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your house and pets. Before you purchase a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the size of your window or door where you intend to install it. You can then be sure that your cat flap will fit and the hole will be the right size. An effective method is to block off a part of the door and then try to walk through with your pet. This will give you an exact idea of the passage opening size (width). It is also advisable to take the height of your cat from the floor to the bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a level that your cats are comfortable using. If it is too low, they might struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be able to use the flap. Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't come with a spirit level, a straight edge can be used instead. When fitting the cat flap into a glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could compromise their strength and cause them to shatter. This could create an security risk to your home. Placing a cat flap in a brick wall can be problematic too, as when you drill into a soft area of the wall this can create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside. Marking Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the correct size flap for them, it's time to mark the location where the hole should go. Mark the center of the flap with your spirit level. If your template for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then, cat flap installation repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk can use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut. If the flap for your cat is set too low, your cat could have difficulty getting in and out, and if you place it too high, the cat may not be able to see what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to place the flap as close as possible to their belly. You also want to be careful not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. If you're not familiar working with masonry it may be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance. Then then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to enter it by pointing out where they should go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to help them). Once they've done it you can let them in and out as you would like. It is important not to allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry as this can lead to them getting scared. The clunk, snap, and squeak of the door closing may cause harm to your kitten or cat. They will be even more scared if the tail gets caught in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to check on any invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could pose a risk since it could lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is recommended when your cat or kitten is able to use it. Installation It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's been installed. This will take time, but with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get grasp of it. You might also want to install a lock on the flap to provide security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when away from home. Choose the location where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a location that opens into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they leave and enter the home and will keep other animals from entering your home. Another thing to consider is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. It should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly so that they will be able to pass through with ease. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat get through. Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap then you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the area. This will provide you with an idea of the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door with an jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling dust could be hazardous to your health. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges. Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap on your door. The flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of your door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.