How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
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 flap inside your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without having allow them to enter or leave. It can also prevent them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the home.
The first thing that you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area where it will be located. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder the installation.
When you are preparing the space, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could cause damage to the door or wall. It is important to place the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be set on the doorway leading to a space that is closed, like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent the cat from being able to jump over it, and allow you to keep the cats from any potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for your cat is low enough to be used by your smaller cat, as taller cats will struggle leaping through a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it might be an ideal idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. It isn't easy to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and a mistake could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structural strength.
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 allow you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having marked the line to ensure it is horizontal. Next, check the instructions that came with your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be centered at the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allow a pet to enter and leave the house. They are available in different sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your home and pets.
Before purchasing a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. You can then be sure that the cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. A good technique is to block off a part of the door and try to walk through with your pet. This will give you a precise picture of the opening size (width).
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the bottom of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at the right place for your cat to are at ease. If it is too low, they may struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.
Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will give the most stable and secure fixings for the installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should use a spirit-level to aid you in this but if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge can work equally well.
It's best to have a professional glazier put in the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are typically toughened and drilling could cause damage to their structure and result in them breaking. This could create the risk of security for your home.
Putting a cat flap into brick walls can be problematic too, as drilling into a soft section of the wall, this could cause problems with pipes and cables that go through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them It's time to mark the location where the hole will be. Make use of your spirit level to ensure it is in line with the door, then mark the center point. If the template for your cat flap kit does not include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it using a pencil to mark the area where the hole will need to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat may struggle to get into and out. Likewise, when you set it too high, your 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 is possible to their belly.
It is essential to not place a cat flap too close to a solid wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. If you're unfamiliar with masonry work it's beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next step is to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is on the inside to encourage them). Once they've done it you can let them in and out as they want.
It's crucial to not allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry because this could result in them becoming scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing could cause harm to your kitten or cat. They'll be more terrified if their tail gets caught in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders, so leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your pet may be attacked by a cat they know. This is why it's best to install an uninspiring cat flap and only when your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the flap is in place It is essential to teach your cat how to use it. It will take some time but with patience and a few treats for an incentive, your cat will eventually learn to use it. Install cat flap installation cost on the cat flap if you want additional security, especially during bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing you need to do is decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap inside your door. It must be located in a place that opens out into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will make your cat feel safer as they leave and enter the house. It can also prevent other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to consider the height of the cat flap. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to help your cat get through.
Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap You can measure the door with a pencil and mark the location. This will allow you to determine where to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door with an jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a dust mask while doing this, as breathing in dust could be harmful to your health. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you have finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. You should put the cat flap such that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you should then drill them into place. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it fits snuggly.