Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to be familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it allows them to move freely between indoors and out without having to let them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house itself.
Prepare the area in which you'll install your cat flap before you begin. This is because removing any obstacles from the area will help you to work. Also, you should remove any furniture and other decorations that could hinder your installation.
You'll need to trace and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy your wall or door. Ideally, you will want to put the flap in a place that is easily accessible to your pets, but doesn't harm the integrity of your home's structure.
A good place to put the cat flap is in an entrance that leads to an enclosed space like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and will keep your cats away from dangers. Also, make sure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by the smaller cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a higher-height flap.
It is a good option to employ an experienced handyman if you own sliding doors or windows with sash that are old-fashioned. It can be difficult to install a cat flap on these windows and doors and a mistake can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural integrity.
To mark the space to place the cat flap, you'll need an ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will allow you to cut precisely the flap's opening. 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 locate the template drawing. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line you have drawn and is centered on the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog's door, is a small hole at the bottom of exterior doors or windows. It allows pets to enter and exit the home. They come in various sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your home and pet.
Before you buy an animal flap, you need to measure precisely the size of your window or door in which you plan to install it. It is then possible to be certain that your cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. You can use this method to measure the width of the opening by blocking off a portion 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 placed at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it is too low, they could struggle to get through. If it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap.
In general, you should strive to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. Ideally you should use a spirit-level to help you with this but if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't include this feature, straight edges will work the same job.
It is best to hire a professional glazier install the cat flap on an UPVC or glass door or window. This is because these types of doors are usually hardened, and drilling into them can compromise the strength of the glass and may cause it to shatter in the future, which could pose a security hazard for your home.
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap in brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat's measurements. Make use of your spirit level to make sure it is in line with the door, and then mark the center point. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include the centre line, copy it and trace around it using pencil to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut.
Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it could be difficult for your cat to get in and out of your home, and if it's too high, they could be unable to see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels safe and comfortable, it is best to put the flap as close as you can to their belly.
You also want to be cautious not to place a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause problems with damp, draughts, and stability. If you're not familiar in masonry work it may be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance.
Next you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by pointing out where they should go (it helps if there's someone in the room to encourage them). Once they've made it through you can let them in and out as they would like.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap too fast because this can cause them to be scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They will be even more scared if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to check for intrusions, so having the door open during this time could be a problem since it could lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat is aware of using it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It will take a while but with patience and a few treats to provide encouragement your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you need extra security, particularly in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.
The first thing to determine the location you'd like to place the cat flap in 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 help your cat feel more secure when they come in and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.
Another thing to consider is the height you'd like to place the cat flap at. It should be in the same area as the measurement of your cat's belly to ensure that they can get through with ease. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through.
Once you have determined where you want to put the flap Measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you an idea of the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door using a jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as inhaling dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square has been cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will give an even edge.
When you are done sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The flap should be installed so that the lock, if it has one, is located on the inside of your door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then, carefully place the flap inside the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.