How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation to allow them to become familiar with its size and shape. Unlock 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 and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be the same.
upvc door panels cat flap
Having a cat flap installed in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It will allow your pet to move from the inside to the outside without having allow them in or out. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house itself.
Set up the area where you plan to install your cat flap prior to begin. It will be much easier to work if you remove any obstructions. It is also important to remove any furniture or decorations that could hinder your work.
When preparing the area you must measure and mark out where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could damage your wall or door. You will want to put the cat flap in a place that is accessible to your pets, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.
The best spot to put the cat flap is inside a door that leads to an enclosed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will prevent your cat from tripping over it and also protect your pets from dangers. It is also important to ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by the smaller cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old style sash window, it might be a good idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with out damaging the door or window's structural integrity.
You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area to be used for the flap. This will enable you to precisely cut the flap's opening. Once you have the line drawn with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is perfectly horizontal. After that, read the instructions included in your 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 middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to go inside and out of the home. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you.
Before you buy a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your doors or window where you intend to install it. This way you will be able to ensure that the hole will to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to measure the width of the opening by blocking off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It is also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to are at ease. If it's too low, they might have difficulty getting through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap at all.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't come with a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead.
When fitting the cat flap into a glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ an experienced glazier to complete this for you. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them could compromise the strength of the glass and possibly cause it to shatter in the future which could pose a security risk for your home.
Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be problematic too, as when you drill into a soft section of the wall, it could cause problems with pipes and cables that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them then you need to mark the location where the hole will be. Make use of your spirit level to ensure it runs parallel to the door, then mark the centre point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then use a pencil to trace around the template to indicate the area where the hole needs to be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it will be difficult for your cat to get into and out of the house, and if it's too high, they could be unable to see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to position the flap as close as is possible to their belly.
It is important to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could result in problems with damp and draughts. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional when you're not experienced with the masonry.
Then you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is nearby helping them). Once they've made it through then you can begin letting them in and out as they would like.
It's crucial to not allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry as this could lead to them getting scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing can cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They will be even more scared if the tail is stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders. Leaving the door open is dangerous. Your pet may be attacked by a cat they know. This is why it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat is aware of using it.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's been installed. It may take some time however, with patience and a few treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get the habit of it. Install a lock to the cat flap if you need additional security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
Decide where you want to place the cat flap on your door. This will need to be located in a place that opens out into a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they leave and enter the house. It can keep other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to consider the height of the flap for your cat. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to traverse through. You can also put steps on either side of the entrance to assist your cat to get through.
Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap then you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the location. This will provide you with an idea of where to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door with a Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety glasses and a dust mask while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will create an even edge.
Once you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap in your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.