How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can be familiar with the size and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. cat flap installers near me on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed in your home is beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside, without needing to allow them to enter or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the door to the house.
The first thing you must do prior to beginning the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area in which it will be installed. It will be simpler to work if you remove any obstacles. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of your installation.
You will be required to mark and measure the space in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making a mistake that could ruin your door or wall. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to place the cat flap in a place that is easy for your pets, but doesn't harm the strength of the structure of your home.
A good spot to put the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will prevent the cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your small cat, since larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old-fashioned sash window, it might be a good idea to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. It isn't easy to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the door or window's structural integrity.
To mark the space to place the cat flap, you'll need an ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to cut precisely the flap's opening. Use a spirit level after you've marked the line to ensure it's horizontal. Review the instructions that came along with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you've drawn and is centered on the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to enter and leave the house. They are available in different sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your home and pets.
It is essential to measure your windows or doors before purchasing a new cat flap. You can then be sure that your cat flap will fit and the hole will be the right size. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by blocking off a portion and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a level that your cats are comfortable using. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through. If it's too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
In general, you should strive to create your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. If the cat flap kit you purchased didn't include a spirit-level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used in place.
When fitting the cat flap to glass or UPVC window or door, it is recommended to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. The doors are typically toughened, and drilling can cause damage to their structure and cause them to shatter. This could be a security threat for your home.
Placing a cat flap in brick walls can be a problem, too, since drilling into a soft section of the wall this can cause problems with pipes and cables that go through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the spot where the hole must be cut.
If the cat flap is placed too low, your cat may be unable to get in and out, and when you set it too high, your cat might not be able 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 you can to their belly.
Also, you should be cautious not to place 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. It's worth getting professional help when you're not experienced with the masonry.
Then, prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by pointing them to where they need to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've made their way through it and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It's important that you don't force your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly as this could lead to them getting scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and they could be scared if their tail is stuck in the flap as they try to exit. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check for invaders, so leaving the door open at this time can also be a concern because it could result in your pet being attacked by a cat they know. This is the reason it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat or kitten knows to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's been installed. It will take some time, but with patience, and a few treats for motivation, your cat will eventually learn how to use it. You might 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.
Decide where you want to place the cat flap on 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 allow your cat to feel more secure when they move into and out of your home, and will also help keep other animals out of 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 belly as this will ensure that they can pass through with ease. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door, to help your cat get through it more easily.
Once you have determined where you want to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you an idea of where to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door using a Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as breathing in dust could be harmful to your health. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will create an even edge.
After you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap inside your door. You should put the cat flap in such that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill these into place. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.