Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to become familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
Having a cat flap install ed in your home can be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of your pet. It will allow your pet to move from inside to the outside without needing to let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the home.
The first thing that you will need to do prior to beginning your cat flap install is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be placed. It will be much easier to work with if you eliminate any obstacles. Also, you should remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder your installation.
When preparing the area it is important to take measurements and mark the location where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could cause damage to your door or wall. It is best to put the cat flap somewhere that is easily accessible for your cat, yet doesn't affect the structural integrity of your home.
A good location to place the cat flap is the doorway leading to an enclosed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and also protect your pets from dangers. Also, make sure that the flap for your cat is not too low to be used by the smaller cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a higher-height flap.
It might be a wise idea to employ a professional handyman if you own sliding doors or a windows with sash that are old-fashioned. It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on these doors and windows and any mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the door or window's structural strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to cut precisely the flap's opening. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to ensure it's horizontal. Follow the directions that came along with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to your door so that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is aligned with the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a 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 come in various sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your house and pets.
Before purchasing a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors in which you plan to install it. This way you can be sure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to determine the size of the opening by securing off a portion and walking through it with your pet.
It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure the flap is installed in a height where your cats are comfortable. 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.
In general, you should try to drill your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. The best option is to use a spirit level to help you with this, but if the directions that came with your cat flap kit do not include this, a straight edge can work the same job.
When putting the cat flap into glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ an expert glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could be a security threat for your home.
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap in brick walls, since drilling into a soft area of the wall could cause problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead expensive repairs or leaks, or even weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole you'll need it after you have measured your cat. Mark the centre of the flap using a spirit level. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the spot where the hole must be cut.
If the cat flap is set too low, your cat could be unable to get into and out. Likewise, when you set it too high, the cat might not be able to see what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable it is best to position the flap as close as is possible to their stomach.
It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a solid wall frame. This could cause issues with draughts and damp. If you're not familiar working with masonry it may be worthwhile to seek out professional assistance.
Next you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to come through it by showing them where to go (it helps if someone's in the room to encourage them). Once they've made it through it and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It is important not to push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed because this can cause them to be scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing could cause injuries to your cat or kitten. They'll be more terrified if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders, and leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. This is why it's recommended to put up an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat or kitten is aware of its use.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's installed. It will take a while however, with patience and a few treats as encouragement, your cat will eventually be able to use it. You may also want to install a lock on the flap to provide security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when you are out of the house.
The first thing you should decide where you would like to put the cat flap in your door. It must be located in a place that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they go in and out of the home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home.
It is also important to be aware of the height of your flap. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly so that they can get through with ease. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door to assist your cat move through it more easily.
Once you've determined where you'd like to place the cat flap then you can measure the door using a pencil and mark the spot. This will help you determine the best place you will need to cut. Then, you'll have to cut out an area on the door using a jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to protect your health from inhaling dust. After cutting the square and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you've finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be placed so that the lock, if there is one, is located on the side of your door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then, carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure that it is snugly in place.
