How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from every angle.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap The distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It will allow your pet to move from the inside to the outside without you having allow them to enter or leave. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house.
Set up the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to begin. It will be simpler to work if you remove any obstacles. Also, you should take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with your installation.
You will need to trace and measure the area in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the flap in a place that is easy for your cats but that won't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
A good spot to put the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep the cats away from any potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for cats is not too low to be used by your smaller cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.
It could be a good idea to employ a professional handyman when you have sliding doors or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap into these types of windows and doors can be challenging, and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with care and without compromising the structural strength of the window or door.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having drawn the line to make sure it is horizontal. Check the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be centered at the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog's door, is a small opening located at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It lets pets enter and exit the house. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet.
Before purchasing an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the size of your window or door in which you plan to install it. It is then possible to be certain that your cat flap will fit and that the hole will be the right size. You can use this technique to determine the width of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to take the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to feel at ease. If it is too low, they could struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should utilize a spirit level to help you with this but if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't include this feature, a straight edge can work just as well.
When fitting the cat flap to glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ a professional glazier to do this for you. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could weaken their integrity and result in them breaking. This could pose a security threat for your home.
Placing a cat flap in a brick wall can be problematic too, as drilling into a soft part of the wall this can cause problems with pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat's size. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit does not include a centre line, photocopy it and draw around it using a pencil to mark the area where the hole will need to be cut.
If the cat flap is placed too low, your cat may be unable to get into and out. Likewise, should you put it too high, the cat may not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat is safe and comfortable it is recommended to position the flap as close as you can to their stomach.
It is important to not place a cat flap too close to a solid wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional if you aren't familiar with masonry.
Next, prop the door open and encourage your cat or 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 made their way through it, you can slowly start to let them in and out at will.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed because this can cause them to be scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and even more scared if their tail is caught in it when they attempt to leave. cat flap installer have a habit of returning home to check for intruders so having the door open at this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat that they know. This is the reason it's best to install an uninspiring cat flap and only when your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is in place, it is important to teach your cat how to use it. It may take some time but with patience and a few treats to provide an incentive, your cat will eventually learn to utilize it. You might also want to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when away from the house.
Choose the location where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a place that opens up into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they come into and out of your home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home.
Another consideration is the height you want to put the flap on your cat. It should be in the same space as your cat's belly measurement, to ensure that they can pass through the door easily. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to place the cat flap You can measure the door using a pencil and mark the location. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door using a Jigsaw. It is recommended 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 has been cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will give an even edge.
Once you have finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap inside your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. Then, carefully place the flap in the hole, making sure it fits snuggly.