How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they become familiar with its size and shape. The flap should be opened 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 on the door and align them with the cat flap opening – the distance between the edges must be equal. Preparation Installing a cat flap inside your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without you having let them in or leave. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes, or the door of the home. Make sure you have the space in which you'll install your cat flap before you begin. It will be easier to work with if you eliminate any obstructions. Also, you should take away any furniture or decorations that could hinder your installation. When preparing the area you must measure and mark out where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake which could ruin the door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a place that is accessible to your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home. The cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a closed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and you can protect your cat from potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for your cat is low enough to be used by the smallest cat, as taller cats will struggle leaping through a higher-height flap. If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be a good idea to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on these windows and doors and a mistake can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structure of the window or door's integrity. To determine the space to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to cut precisely the flap's opening. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to make sure it's horizontal. Review the instructions that came along with your cat flap kit for 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 of the door. Measurement A cat flap sometimes known as a pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows a pet to go inside and out of the home. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet and you. It's important that you measure your windows or doors before you buy the new cat flap. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will then be able to ensure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and that the hole is the correct size. One method is to block off a portion of the door and then try to walk through with your pet. This will give you a precise idea of the opening size (width). It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest part of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a height your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they might struggle to pass through, and if it's too high they may be unable 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 secure and stable installation of your cat flap. It is recommended to use a spirit-level to aid you in this, but if the directions included with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, straight edges will work the same job. When you are installing the cat flap into glass or UPVC window or door, it's best to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. This is because these types of doors are usually toughened and drilling into them may weaken the integrity of the glass and possibly lead to it shattering in the future which could be a security risk for your home. Putting a cat flap into a brick wall can be problematic too, as drilling into a soft part of the wall, it could create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks or weather damage from outside. Marking Once you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap then you need to mark where the hole should go. Make use of your spirit level to ensure that it's parallel to the door, then mark the centre point. If your template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate where the hole should be cut. Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of the home, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what is going on outside. To ensure your cat feels secure and safe it is recommended to place the flap as close as possible to their stomach. It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This can cause problems with damp and draughts. If you're unfamiliar with masonry work it may be worth seeking professional help. Next you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is in the room to encourage them). Once they've made their way through it and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will. You should not push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to become scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk or snap when the flap closes, and they could be scared if their tail gets caught in it as they attempt to leave. Cats also tend to return home to look for intrusions, so having the door open could be a problem as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat that they know. Installing a small cat door is best if your kitten or cat is able to use it. Installation Once the flap is set, it is important to teach your cat how to use it. It will take some time but with patience and some treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get habit of it. You might also want to put a lock on the flap to provide security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you're away from home. Decide where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It must be placed in a place that opens up into a sheltered part of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they come in and out of the house, and can help prevent other animals from accessing your home. It is also important to take into consideration the height of the flap for your cat. This should be in the same space as the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they will be able to pass through the door easily. You can also set steps on either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through. Once you've decided on where you'd like to put the cat flap, you can measure the door using a pencil and mark the location. This will help you decide the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with a jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to keep your health safe from dust inhalation. After cutting the square into pieces, it is essential to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges. After you have finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The flap must be placed so that the lock, if there's one, is located on the inside of your door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, ensuring that it fits snuggly.