How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's set up so they can become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
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 must be the same.
Preparation
A cat flap in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without having allow them to enter or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the door to the house.
Make sure you have the space in which you'll install your cat flap prior to when you begin. It will be simpler to work in the event that you remove any obstructions. It is also important to take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with your installation.
When preparing the area you must determine the exact location and measurement you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could cause damage to your wall or door. You should put the cat flap in a location that is accessible for your pets, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
A good spot to put the cat flap is the doorway leading to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from jumping over it and allows you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. Also, make sure that the cat flap is not too low to be used by your smallest cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old style sash window, it might be an ideal idea to hire an expert handyman for the task. Installing a cat flap on these doors and windows isn't easy, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap in a safe manner without compromising the structural strength of the door or window.
To mark the space to place the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or a tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to ensure it's 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 centered at the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows a pet to leave and enter the house. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the best one for you and your pets.
Before you buy a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your window or door where you intend to install it. This way you can be sure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. An effective method is to block off a section of the door and try to walk through with your pet, this will give you a precise idea of the opening size (width).
It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest part of their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to feel at ease. If it is too low, they could struggle to pass through. If it's too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. It is recommended to use a spirit-level to assist you with this, however if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge will do the same job.
It is best to hire an experienced glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are typically toughened and drilling could cause damage to their structure and lead to them shattering. This could pose an security risk to your home.
Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be problematic too, as drilling into a soft section of the wall, this could cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to find the right size flap It's time to mark the location where the hole should go. Mark the centre of the flap using a spirit level. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit doesn't include a centre line, photocopy it and trace around it with pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat will struggle to get in and out, and if you place it too high, your cat might not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat is secure and safe it is best to place the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
It is also important to be careful not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts and stability. If you're not familiar in masonry work it's beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to enter it by showing them where to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've made their way through it then you can gradually begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly as this could cause them to be 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 is stuck in the flap. Cats also return home to search for intruders. Leaving the door open is dangerous. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. Installing a small cat door is best if your kitten or cat is able to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is in place It is crucial to teach your cat how to use it. This will take time, but with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get hang of it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want extra security, especially during bad weather or when you're away from home.
Choose the location where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. This will need to be placed in a spot that opens onto a sheltered area of your garden. This will make your cat feel secure as they exit and enter the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height that you'd like to set the flap for your cat at. cat flap installers near me should be in the same space as the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they can get through easily. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to assist your cat move through it more easily.
Once you have decided where you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you'll have to cut out a square on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to protect your health from inhaling dust. After the square has been cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will give an even edge.
After you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap inside your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes if there are any on the door. Then, you should carefully insert the flap in the hole, making sure it fits snugly.