How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's set up so they can become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your 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 well-being and health of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without you needing to let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the house.
The first thing you will need to do before starting your cat flap install is prepare the area where it will be installed. It will be easier to work with if you eliminate any obstructions. Also, you should take away any furniture or decorations that could hinder the installation.
You'll be required to mark and measure the space where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy the wall or door. It is important to place the cat flap in a place that is accessible for your cat, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The best location to place the cat flap is inside an entrance that leads to an enclosed space, such as your laundry room or closet. This will prevent the cat from being able to jump over it and allows you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to leap through the flap.
It might be a wise idea to employ a professional handyman when you have sliding doors or a sash window that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap in these types of windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structure of the window or door's strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the area to be used for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the flap's opening. Use a spirit level after you've drawn the line to ensure it is horizontal. Check the instructions included with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach Repair My Windows And Doors to your door so that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is centered on the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows a pet to leave and enter the house. They come in various sizes and materials, so you can pick the ideal one for your home and pet.
Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of your window or door where you intend to install it. You can then be sure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and the hole will be the correct size. An effective method is to block off a part of the door, and then try to walk through with your pet, this will give you a precise idea of the opening size (width).
It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest part of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height your cats are comfortable with. If it's too low they may struggle to get through, and if it's too high, they might not be able to use the flap in any way.
In general, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most secure and stable fixings for the installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit level, a straight edge can be used in place.
When putting the cat flap to glass or UPVC window or door, it's best to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. The doors are typically toughened and drilling could compromise their strength and result in them breaking. This could pose an security risk to your home.
Installing a cat flap on a brick wall can be problematic, too, because drilling into a soft part of the wall this can cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after measuring 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 trace around it with pencil to mark the spot where the hole needs to be cut.
If the cat flap is placed too low, your cat may have difficulty getting into and out. Likewise, when you set it too high, the cat might not be able to see what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to put the flap as close as you can to their belly.
It is also important to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause problems with damp, draughts, and stability. If you're not experienced with masonry work it's worth seeking professional help.
Next, prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to help them). Once they've walked through it then you can gradually begin to let them in and out at will.
You should not push your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly because this can cause them to be scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk or snap as 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 check for intruders, and leaving the door open could be dangerous. Your cat could be attacked by another cat they know. This is why it's best to install an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat knows to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is installed It is essential to teach your cat to use it. This will take time but with patience and some treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get habit of it. It is also possible to install a lock on the flap to provide security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.
Choose the location where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. This will need to be in a location that opens onto an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure when they enter and exit the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height that you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they can move through. You could also think about placing steps on either side of the door to assist your cat navigate it more easily.
Once you've decided where you want to place the cat flap You can measure the door with a pencil and mark the area. This will help you decide the best place you need to cut. The next step is to cut a square into the door using a Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask, to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. After the square is cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will give a smooth edge.
Once you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap inside your door. You should put the cat flap in such that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill them into the hole. Then you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.