How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can be familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the cat flap opening - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between the indoors and outdoors without needing to let them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the entrance to the home.
The first thing that you'll need to do prior to beginning your cat flap install is prepare the area where it will be placed. This is because removing any obstacles from the area will help you to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and decorations that might hinder your installation.
When preparing the area, you will need to measure and mark out where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. It is best to put the cat flap in a place that is easy for your pets, but doesn't compromise the structural integrity of your home.
The best place to put the cat flap is a door that leads to a closed space, such as your laundry room or closet. This will prevent your cat from tripping over it and will protect your pets from potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to jump through a higher flap.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman if you own sliding doors or sash window that is old-fashioned. It isn't easy to install the cat flap on these windows and doors and a mistake could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with care and without harming the structural integrity of the door or window.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having marked the line to make sure it's horizontal. Then, go through fitting cat flap in upvc door panel included in your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog's door, is a small opening at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It allows pets to get in and out of the house. You can pick from a variety of sizes and materials to find the best one for you and your pets.
Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of your doors or window in which you're planning to put it. You will then be able to ensure that your cat flap will fit and that the hole will be the right size. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by securing off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it's too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should try to make your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. It is recommended to utilize a spirit level to help you with this but if the instructions included with your cat flap kit do not include this, a straight edge will do the same job.
It is best to employ a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could compromise their strength and lead to them shattering. This could be a security threat for your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap in brick walls, since drilling into a soft section of the wall can cause issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can result in costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage caused by 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 the centre line, copy it and draw around it using a pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat could have difficulty getting in and out, and should you put it too high, the cat might not be able to observe what's happening outside. It is best to try to get it close to the height of your cat's belly as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
It is essential to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This could result in problems with damp and draughts. If you're not experienced in masonry work, it might be worth seeking professional help.
Next then, open the door and then encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by showing them where to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've made their way through it, you can slowly start to let them in and out at will.
It's crucial to not allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too quickly because this could result in them being scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing can cause harm to your kitten or cat. They will be even more terrified if their tail gets trapped in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders, so leaving the door open can be risky. Your pet may be attacked by a cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is best for your cat or kitten if it is able to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it is installed. It will take some time but with patience and some treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get the grasp of it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you need additional security, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.
Decide where you want to put the cat flap on your door. It should be located in a place that opens onto an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will make your cat feel safer as they enter and exit the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home.
You should also take into consideration the height of the flap for your cat. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can pass through. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to assist your cat move through it more easily.
After you have determined where you want to place the cat flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will allow you to determine where to cut. The next step is to cut a square into the door using a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection when doing this, since breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square is cut, sand the edges of the door. This will create a smooth edge.
Once you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap in your door. The flap must be put in a position where 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 you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.