How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation to allow them to become familiar with the dimensions and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without you needing to let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the home.
The first thing you will need to do before starting the installation of your cat flap is to prepare the area in which it will be placed. It will be simpler to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. Also, you should remove any furniture or decorations that could hinder your installation.
You'll be required to trace and measure the area in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making mistakes that could destroy your door or wall. Ideally, you will want to put the cat flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cat, yet doesn't compromise the structural integrity of your home.
A great place to put the cat flap is inside the doorway leading to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from attempting to jump over it and allows you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since taller cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be an ideal idea to employ an experienced handyman to do the task. Installing a cat flap into these doors and windows can be challenging and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structure of the window or door's strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area to be used for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the flap's opening. Once you've marked the line, use a spirit level to ensure it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions included in the cat flap kit to find the template. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you've drawn. repairmywindowsanddoors should be centered at the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as a pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to enter and leave the house. They come in different sizes and materials, so you can pick the ideal one for your home and pet.
Before you purchase a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors where you intend to install it. This way you can be sure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a portion of the door, and then try to walk through it with your pet, this will give you an exact 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 stomach. This will ensure the flap is set at an area where your cats feel comfortable. If it's too low they might struggle to pass through and if it's high they may be unable to use the flap at all.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will provide the most secure and stable fixings for the installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead.
It is recommended to have a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them may damage the integrity of the glass and could lead to it shattering in the future which could pose a security hazard for your home.
Installing a cat flap on the brick wall could be problematic too, as when you drill into a soft section of the wall this can create problems for pipes and cables that go through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark the location where the hole needs to go. Utilizing your spirit level to ensure that it's in line with the door, then mark the centre point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit doesn't include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use the pencil to trace around the template to mark where the hole should be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat will have difficulty getting in and out, and if you place it too high, the cat might not be able to observe what's going on outside. It is best to try to make it as close to your cat's belly as possible to allow them the greatest comfort and security.
It is important to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could result in problems with damp and draughts. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Then you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is nearby encouraging them). Once they've done it then you can begin letting them in and out as you would like.
It's crucial to not push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this could result in them getting scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk or snap when it closes, and even more terrified if their tail gets stuck in the flap as they attempt to get out. Cats also are known to return home to check on any invaders, so leaving the door open can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat that they know. This is why it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat is aware of using it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it's been installed. It will take a while but with patience and a few treats for motivation, your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. You may also want to install a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when you are away from the house.
The first thing to determine where you would like to place the cat flap inside your door. It must be put in a spot that opens up into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure as they come in and out of the house, and also to keep other animals from entering your home.
You should also be aware of the height of your flap for your cat. This should be in the same space as the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they can pass through easily. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat get through.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to place the cat flap, you can measure the door with an eraser and mark the area. This will help you determine the best place you will need to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door using the jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask while working on this, as inhaling dust could be harmful to your health. After the square is cut, sand the edges of the door. This will give a smooth edge.
After you have finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if it has one, is on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.