Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between indoors and out without you having to allow them to enter or exit. It will also stop them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the house.
The first thing that you must do before starting your cat flap install is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be located. cat flap fitters will be much easier to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. You should also take away any furniture or decorations that might hinder your installation.
In preparing the area you must take measurements and mark the location where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. It is best to put the flap somewhere that is easily accessible for your cats but that won't compromise the structural integrity of your home.
A good spot to put the cat flap is inside the doorway leading to an enclosed space such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from tripping over it and will keep your cats away from dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your smallest cat to access, as larger cats might struggle to leap through a higher flap.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old style sash window, it could be best to hire a professional handyman for the task. Installing a cat flap into these doors and windows can be challenging, and mistakes can lead to expensive 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 mark the area for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to make sure it's horizontal. Follow the directions included with the 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 that you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as a pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allows a pet to leave and enter the house. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the right one for you and your pets.
Before purchasing an animal flap, you need to measure precisely the size of your doors or window where you intend to install it. This way you can ensure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a section of the door and then try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an accurate idea of the passage opening size (width).
It is also advisable to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they could struggle to get through. If it's too high, they may not be capable of using the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't come with a spirit level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used in place.
It's best to hire a professional glazier put in the cat flap on an UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are usually made of toughened glass and drilling into them may weaken the integrity of the glass and may lead to it shattering 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 can cause problems for cables and pipes running through the property. This could result in costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them It's time to mark where the hole should go. Use your spirit level to make sure it runs flush with the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the location where the hole will need to be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it could make it difficult for your cat to climb in and out of the house, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what's going on outside. It is recommended to get it as close to the height of your cat's belly as you can, to provide them with the greatest comfort and security.
It is important to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with damp and draughts. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with masonry.
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 made their way through it, you can slowly start to let them in and out at will.
It is important not to force your cat or kitten through the flap in a hurry as this can lead to them being scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and be even more terrified if their tail gets caught in it as they try to exit. Cats also are known to return home to check on any intruders so having the door open at this time could pose a risk because it could result in your pet being attacked by another cat that they know. This is why it's recommended to put up a small cat flap and only when your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the flap is installed It is crucial to show your cat how to use it. It will take a while, but with patience, and a few treats to provide encouragement, your cat will eventually learn how to use it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you need extra security, especially during bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing you need to decide where you want to put the cat flap in your door. It will need to be put in a spot that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure as they go in and out of the home, and will also help to keep other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in line with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they are able to move through. 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 place the cat flap then you can measure the door with an eraser and mark the area. This will help you decide the best place you need to cut. Then, you will need to cut a square on the door using a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection when doing this, since breathing in dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will give an even edge.
After you have finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap such 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. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.