How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they get used to the size and shape. Unlock the flap 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 the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
A cat flap at home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it lets them to move freely between the indoors and outdoors without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the house.
Make sure you have the space where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to when you begin. This is because removing obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and decorations that may interfere with the installation.
You'll have to mark and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making an error that could damage the wall or door. Ideally, you will want to place the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible for your cat, yet doesn't compromise the structural integrity of your home.
A great spot to put the cat flap is an entrance that leads to an enclosed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and also protect your cat from potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since larger cats might struggle to jump through a higher flap.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it could be best to hire an experienced handyman to do the job. Installing a cat flap into these doors and windows can be a challenge and mistakes could cause costly 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.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area to be used for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn using a spirit level, you can use it to make sure it is perfectly horizontal. Review the instructions 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 placed in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows a pet to leave and enter the home. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the right one for you and your pets.
Before you buy a cat flap, it is important to measure precisely the size of your window or door where you intend to install it. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole will to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. A good technique is to block off a section of the door, and then try to walk through it with your pet, this will give you an accurate idea of the opening size (width).
It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest part of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at the right place for your cat to are comfortable. If it's too low, they might struggle to pass through and if it's too high they may be unable to use the flap in any way.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not come with a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead.
It's best to hire a professional glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them could weaken the integrity of the glass and could result in it breaking in the future, which could pose a security hazard for your home.
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap in brick walls, since drilling into a soft area of the wall can create issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. cat flap fitting near me can result in costly repairs or leaks, or even weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after measuring your cat's measurements. Use your spirit level to ensure it is flush with the door, and then mark the center point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use a pencil to draw around the template to indicate the area where the hole needs to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat could have difficulty getting into and out. Likewise, should you put it too high, the cat may 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 you can to their stomach.
It is essential to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with damp and draughts. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you're not familiar with the masonry.
Then you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is nearby encouraging them). Once they've made it through then you can begin letting them in and out as they would like.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap too quickly because this can cause them to become scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause injury to your kitten or cat. They'll be more scared if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check on any intruders so having the door open at this time could be a problem as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat that they know. This is the reason it's best to install a small cat flap only and only when your cat or kitten knows to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is set, it is important to show your cat how to use it. It may take some time but with patience and a few treats to provide motivation your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want additional 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. It will need to be put in a spot that can open up to an area of protection in your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure when they leave and enter the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to take into consideration the height of the cat flap. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to pass through. You can also consider placing steps either side of the door to help your cat get through it with ease.
Once you have determined where you want to put the flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will help you decide the best place to cut. Then, you'll need to cut an area on the door using the aid of a Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection when doing this, since breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to sand around the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you have finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be placed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill these into place. Then, carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it fits snugly.