How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can become familiar with its dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle. Ensure the cut-out is even and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap – the distance between the edges should be equal. Preparation Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it allows them to freely move between indoors and outside without having to allow them to enter or exit. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the entrance to the house. The first thing that you'll need to do before starting your cat flap install is prepare the area in which it will be located. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to take out any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of the installation. When you are preparing the space, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could damage your wall or door. It is best to place the cat flap in a place that is easy for your pets, but doesn't compromise the strength of the structure of your home. The cat flap can be placed on the doorway leading to a space that is closed, like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent the cat from jumping 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 may have difficulty to leap through the flap. It could be a good option to employ an experienced handyman when you have a sliding door or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these types of windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap with care and without harming the structural strength of the window or door. You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the flap's location. This will allow you to cut precisely the flap's opening. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to ensure it's horizontal. Review the instructions included with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be centered at the center 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 permits a pet to leave and enter the house. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can pick the ideal one for your home and pet. It is essential to take measurements of your windows or doors before purchasing the new cat flap. You can then be sure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and the hole is the correct size. 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 recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest point of their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to are comfortable. If it is too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap. In general, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. cat flap fitters near me is to use a spirit-level to aid you in this, however if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge will do just as well. It's best to have a professional glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them can weaken the integrity of the glass and could cause it to shatter in the future which could be a security risk for your home. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside a brick wall, as drilling into a soft part of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from the outside. Marking Once you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them then you need to mark the location where the hole should go. Utilizing your spirit level to make sure it runs in line with the door, then mark the centre point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit doesn't include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut. Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to climb into and out of the home, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what's happening outside. It is recommended to get it close to your cat's belly height as you can, to provide them with the greatest comfort and security. It is also important to be aware not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause problems with damp, draughts, and stability. It's worth getting professional help if you aren't familiar with the masonry. Next you should prop the door open and encourage your cat kitten to come 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 done it then you can begin letting them in and out as you would like. It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too quickly because this could result in them getting scared. They could be injured by the clunk or snap when it closes, and they could be scared if their tail is caught in it when they attempt to get out. Cats also return home to search for intruders, so leaving the door open could be risky. Your cat could be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap and only if your cat or kitten is aware of its use. Installation Once the cat flap is set, it is important to teach your cat how to use it. It may take some time, but with patience, and a few treats as motivation your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. You might also want to put a lock in the cat flap for added security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you're away from home. Choose the location where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It must be located in a place that opens onto an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will make your cat feel safer as they leave and enter the house and can keep other animals from entering your home. Also, you should consider the height of the cat flap. It should be in the same area as your cat's belly measurement, as this will ensure that they will be able to pass through the door easily. You can also place steps either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through. Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap, you can measure the door with a pencil and mark the spot. This will help you decide where you will need to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door using the Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust mask when doing this, since breathing in dust could be harmful to your health. After the square has been cut, sand the edges of the door. This will create an even edge. When you are done sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes if there are any on the door. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.