Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they become familiar with the dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap at home can be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without needing to allow them to enter or leave. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house.
The first thing you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is to prepare the area where it will be placed. It will be much easier to work if you remove any obstacles. Also, you should take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with the installation.
You will have to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could damage your wall or door. It is best to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your pets, but doesn't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be placed on the doorway leading to a closed space such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, as larger cats may have difficulty to jump through a flap that is higher.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be best to employ an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap on these windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap safely and without compromising the structural integrity of the window or door.
You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area for the flap. This will enable you to accurately cut the flap's opening. Use RepairMyWindowsAndDoors after having drawn the line to ensure it's horizontal. After that, read the instructions included with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be placed in the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog's door, is a small opening located at the bottom of doors or windows. It lets pets get in and out of the home. They come in various sizes and materials, so you can pick the ideal one for your home and pet.
Before purchasing a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your doors or window in which you plan to install it. You will then be able to ensure that your cat flap will fit and that the hole is the right size. This method can be used to determine the size of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest point of their stomach. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they could struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to use a spirit level to assist you with this but if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then straight edges will work equally well.
When fitting the cat flap to a glass or UPVC door or window it is recommended to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. The doors are typically toughened, and drilling can cause damage to their structure and lead to them shattering. This could be a security threat for your home.
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside brick walls, as drilling into a soft area of the wall can cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks or weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them then you need to mark where the hole needs to go. Utilizing your spirit level to ensure that it's flush with the door, and then mark the center point. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, use a pencil to draw around the template to indicate the area where the hole needs to be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat could struggle to get in and out, and should you put it too high, the cat may not be able to observe what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat is secure and safe, it is best to place the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
It is essential to avoid placing a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This could result in problems with damp and draughts. If you're unfamiliar in masonry work it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Then, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is on the inside encouraging them). Once they've walked through the door then you can gradually begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap too fast because it could cause them to become scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and be even more scared if their tail gets caught in it when they attempt to get out. Cats also return home to look for intruders, and leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your pet may be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a cat door that is small is best if your kitten or cat is able to use it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is set, it is important to teach your cat to use it. It will take a while, but with patience, and a few treats as encouragement your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock to the cat flap if you need extra security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap inside your door. It must be located in a place that opens onto a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they come into and out of your house, and can help keep other animals out of your home.
It is also important to be aware of the height of your flap for your cat. It should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly as this will ensure that they can pass through the door easily. It is also possible to put steps either side of the door to help your cat move through it more easily.
After you have determined where you want to place the cat flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will allow you to determine where you need to cut. Then, you'll need to cut out an area on the door using the aid of a Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling the dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square is cut and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you've finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes should there be any on the door. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.