Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they get used to the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cut-out is even 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 the same.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed in your home can be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. This is because it will allow them to move freely between the indoors and outdoors without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It will also stop them from fighting over litter box and cat food, or even the door to the house.
Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to begin. This is because eliminating any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to take away any furniture or decorations that could hinder your installation.
You'll have to trace and measure the area in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake which could ruin your wall or door. You should put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your pets, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home.
A great place to put the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from being able to jump over it and will allow you to keep the cats from any potential dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, since larger cats might struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be best to hire an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap on these windows and doors can be challenging, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap with out damaging the door or window's structural 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 enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having drawn the line to make sure it's horizontal. Next, check the instructions that came with your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is centered on the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows a pet to go inside and out of the home. You can choose from a variety sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet and you.
Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the size of your window or door in which you plan to install it. This way, you can ensure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by blocking off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It is also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure the flap is set at an area where your cats are comfortable. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through, and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to use a spirit level to aid you in this, however if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, straight edges will work the same job.
When you are installing the cat flap to glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire an experienced glazier to complete this for you. This is because these kinds of doors are typically hardened, and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and may cause it to shatter in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap in a brick wall, as drilling into a soft area of the wall can cause problems for cables and pipes running through the property. This can result in costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage caused by outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use a pencil to trace around the template to indicate where the hole should be cut.
If the flap for your cat is set too low, your cat may struggle to get in and out, and if you place it too high, the cat may not be able to observe what's going on outside. It is recommended to get it close to your cat's belly as you can to give them the greatest comfort and security.
It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with damp and draughts. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with masonry.
Then you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if there's someone in the room to encourage them). Once they've made their way through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this can cause them to become scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk or snap when the flap closes, and even more scared if their tail is stuck in the flap as they attempt to get out. Cats also have a habit of returning home to look for intruders so having the door open at this time could be a problem as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they are familiar with. Installing cat flap installers is best for your cat or kitten if it knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is set, it is important to teach your cat how to use it. It will take a while however, with patience and a few treats as motivation your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want extra security, particularly during bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing you need to decide where you would like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be in a location that opens out into a sheltered area of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they exit and enter the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another thing to consider is the height you'd like to set the cat flap at. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. You can also consider placing steps either side of the door, to help your cat get through it more easily.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to put the cat flap then you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the location. This will help you determine where to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door using a jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask while working on this, as inhaling the dust could be harmful to your health. After the square is cut, it is necessary to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you've finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be placed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of the door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, now drill these into place. Then you can carefully place the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.