How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they can be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is square and even. cat flaps for french doors on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Learn More Here
Installing a cat flap 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 in or out. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the entrance to the house.
Prepare the area where you plan to install your cat flap before you begin. It will be easier to work in the event that you remove any obstructions. Also, you should remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder your installation.
In preparing the area it is important to take measurements and mark the location where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. Ideally, you will want to put the flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cat, yet doesn't affect the structural integrity of your home.
A good place to put the cat flap is inside the doorway leading to an enclosed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from being able to jump over it, and allow you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since larger cats may have difficulty to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be an ideal idea to employ an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap on these types of windows and doors isn't easy and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with care and without compromising the structural integrity of the window or door.
You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the flap's location. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also referred to as a dog door, is a small opening located at the bottom of doors or windows. It lets pets leave and enter the home. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet and you.
It's important that you take measurements of your windows or doors prior to purchasing a new cat flap. This way, you can be sure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a section of the door and try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an accurate idea of the opening size (width).
It is also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure the flap is set at an area where your cats are comfortable. If it's too low they might struggle to pass through and if it's high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.
In general, you should try to drill your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should utilize a spirit level to aid you in this, but if the directions that came with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, a straight edge can work the same job.
It's best to have an experienced glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these kinds of doors are normally 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 can also be difficult to install a cat flap on brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall can create issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage that comes from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after measuring your cat's size. Make use of your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template for your cat flap kit does not include a centre line, photocopy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the location where the hole will need to be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it can make it difficult for your cat to go in and out of your house, and if it's too high, they could struggle to see what is going on outside. To ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable it is recommended to put the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. If you're unfamiliar with masonry work it's worth seeking professional help.
Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is inside, encouraging them). Once they've walked through it and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to be scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and even more scared if their tail is stuck in the flap as they try to exit. Cats also are known to return home to look for invaders, so leaving the door open could be a problem since it could lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is best if your kitten or cat knows how to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it is installed. It will take some time but with patience and a few treats to entice them to do it, they will eventually get the grasp of it. It is also possible to put a lock in the flap for extra security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you are out of the house.
Decide where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. This will need to be located in a place that opens out into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure as they come into and out of your house, and can help keep other animals out of your home.
It is also important to be aware of the height of your flap. This should be in the same area as your cat's belly measurement, to ensure that they can get through easily. You can also consider placing steps on either side of the door, to help your cat move through it with ease.
Once you've determined where you'd like to place the cat flap, you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will allow you to determine the location to cut. Then, you'll need to cut a square on the door using an jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask, to ensure your health from dust inhalation. Once the square is cut into pieces, it is essential to sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap inside your door. You should put the cat flap such that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes should there be any on the door. Then, carefully place the flap in the hole, making sure it fits snuggly.