How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation to allow them to be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from all angles.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from 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 to the home.
Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to when you begin. It will be simpler to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. You should also remove any furniture and decorations that could hinder the installation.
You'll have to mark and measure the space in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could damage the door or wall. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the cat flap somewhere that is easy for your cat, yet doesn't affect the integrity of your home's structure.
A great place to put the cat flap is in the doorway leading to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from jumping over it, and also keep your cats away from potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to jump through a flap that is higher.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old style windows with sash, it might be a good idea to employ an experienced handyman to do the task. Installing a cat flap in these doors and windows can be challenging and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural integrity.
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 flap's opening. Once you've marked the line with a spirit-level, use it to ensure it is completely horizontal. Review the instructions that came along with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach it to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as a pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to enter and leave the house. They come in different sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your house and pets.
Before you buy a cat flap, it is important to measure precisely the size of your windows or doors in which you plan to install it. You will then be able to ensure that the cat flap will fit and the hole will be the correct size. You can use this method to determine the width of the opening by securing off a portion and walking through it with your pet.
fitting cat flap in upvc door panel 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 placed at a height where your cats are at ease. If it's too low they might struggle to pass through and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.
In general, you should try to create your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap installation. If your cat flap kit did not come with a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead.
When fitting the cat flap to glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened, and drilling can weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could pose an security risk to your home.
Installing a cat flap on brick walls can be problematic too, as drilling into a soft area of the wall this can create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat's measurements. Use your spirit level to make sure it is flush with the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with pencil to mark the spot where the hole must be cut.
If the flap for your cat is too low, your cat may struggle to get out and in, and if you place it too high, your cat might not be able to observe what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat is at ease and secure it is best to position the flap as close as possible to their belly.
It is also important to be aware not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause problems with damp, draughts, and stability. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional in case you're not familiar with masonry.
Then you should prop the door open and encourage your cat kitten to come through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it is helpful if someone else is in the room to encourage them). Once they've walked through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to let them in and out at will.
It's important that you don't force your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly because this could result in them being scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more terrified if their tail is stuck in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to check on any invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could pose a risk as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat that they know. Installing a small cat door is best for your cat or kitten if it is able to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is set It is essential to teach your cat how to use it. This will take time however, with patience and a few treats to encourage them, they will eventually get habit of it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want extra security, particularly during bad weather or when you're away from home.
Choose the location where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be placed in a location that can open up to a sheltered part of your garden. This will help your cat feel safer as they leave and enter the home and will also prevent other animals from entering your home.
You should also 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 consider placing steps on either side of the door to help your cat move through it with ease.
Once you've decided where you would like to put the cat flap Measure the door and mark it with the pencil. This will allow you to determine the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door with an jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when doing this, since breathing in dust could be hazardous to your health. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
When you are done sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. The cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill them into the hole. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.