How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can get used to the size and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap at home can be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. This is because it lets the pet to move freely between indoors and out without needing to allow them to enter or exit. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house itself.
Make sure you have the space where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. This is because removing obstructions from the area will help you to work. It is also important to remove any furniture or decorations that might hinder your work.
When you are preparing the space, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake which could cause damage to the door or wall. Ideally, you will want to place the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't affect the integrity of your home's structure.
A good place to put the cat flap is in an entrance that leads to a closed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and will protect your pets from potential dangers. The flap for cats should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, since larger cats might struggle to climb over a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style windows with sash, it might be best to employ a professional handyman for the task. Installing a cat flap on these doors and windows isn't easy, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap safely and without compromising the structural strength of the window or door.
To mark the space to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut out the opening for the cat flap. Once you have the line drawn with a spirit-level, use it to ensure it is perfectly horizontal. After that, read the instructions that came with your cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allow a pet to leave and enter the house. They come in various sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your home and pets.
Before you purchase a cat flap, it is important to accurately measure the dimensions of your window or door where you intend to install it. You will then be able to ensure that your cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by blocking off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest point of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to are comfortable. If it's too low, they might struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be in a position to use the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. If the cat flap kit you purchased didn't include a spirit level, a straight edge could be used in place.
It is best to employ a professional glazier put in the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these kinds of doors are usually toughened and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and possibly cause it to shatter in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap in a brick wall, as drilling into a soft part of the wall can create issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat. Make use of your spirit level to ensure it is flush with the door, and then mark the center point. If your template for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then, you can use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate the area where the hole needs to be cut.
Remember, if recommended site is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of your house, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what is happening outside. It is recommended to make it as close to your cat's belly as you can, to provide them with the most comfort and security.
You also want to be careful 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. If you're unfamiliar in masonry work it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next, prop the door open and encourage your cat kitten to come through it by showing them where to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to help them). Once they've walked through the door then you can gradually begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this can cause them to be scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing can cause harm to your kitten or cat. They'll be more scared if their tail is trapped in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to look for invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could pose a risk because it could result in your pet being attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is the reason it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only when your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it is installed. It may take some time however, with patience and a few treats for motivation, your cat will eventually be able to utilize it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you need extra 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 will need to be placed in a place that opens up into a sheltered part of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure as they come into and out of the home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home.
Another consideration is the height that you'd like to place the flap on your cat. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they can pass through. You can also place steps on either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
Once you've determined where you want to place the cat flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will help you decide where you need to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with the jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask when doing this, since breathing in dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut then sand the edges the door. This will create a smooth edge.
When you are done sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, in the event that there are any on the door. Then you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.