How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's put in place so that they be familiar with the size and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from all angles.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it will allow them to move freely between indoors and out without needing to let them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house itself.
Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to when you begin. It will be easier to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. You will also want to take away any furniture or other decorations that might get in the way of your work.
You'll have to trace and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy the wall or door. You should put the cat flap in a location that is accessible for your cat, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home.
A good location to place the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from jumping over it and allows you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for your cat is not too low to be used by the small cat, since larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.
It could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman if you have sliding doors or windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap into these windows and doors isn't easy and mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap with care and without damaging the structural integrity of the window or door.
You'll need to determine 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 flap's opening. Once you have the line drawn with a spirit-level, use it to ensure that it is perfectly horizontal. Follow the directions included with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach it to the door so that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you've drawn and is aligned with the center point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet doors is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allows pets to leave and enter the house. They are available in different sizes and materials, so you can pick the right one for your house and pets.
Before you buy a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the dimensions of your doors or window where you intend to install it. You can then be sure that the cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. A good technique is to block off a part of the door and try to walk through with your pet. This will give you an exact picture of the opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the bottom of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low they might have difficulty getting through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap at all.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. cat flap installer near me will give the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to utilize a spirit level to help you with this but if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge can work the same job.
It's best to employ an experienced glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass door or window. These doors are usually toughened, and drilling can compromise their strength and lead to them shattering. This could be the risk of security for your home.
Installing a cat flap on brick walls can be problematic, too, because if you drill into a soft part of the wall, it could create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This can result in costly repairs, or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap using 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 using pencil to mark the spot where the hole must be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to go in and out of the home, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what is happening outside. It is best to make it as close to your cat's belly as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
Also, you should be careful not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it can lead to problems with draughts, damp and stability. If you're not familiar with masonry work it may be worth seeking professional help.
Then then, open the door and then encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by pointing out where they should go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've made their way through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to let them in and out at will.
It is important not to allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too fast as this can lead to them being scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause harm to your kitten or cat. They will be even more terrified if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders. Leaving the door open could be dangerous. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat or kitten knows to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it's been installed. It will take some time but with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get the habit of it. It is also possible to put 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 you need to do is decide where you want to place the cat flap inside your door. It will need to be put in a spot that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they leave and enter the house and can also prevent other animals from entering your home.
Also, you should be aware of the height of your flap for your cat. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. 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 place the cat flap Measure the door and mark it with the pencil. This will provide you with an idea of where to cut. Then, you will need to cut out a square on the door with an jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to ensure your health from dust inhalation. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will give a smooth edge.
Once you have finished sanding, now replace the cat flap on your door. The cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill them into the hole. Then carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.