How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's set up so they can be familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from all angles. Make sure that the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door 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 health and well-being of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between indoors and outside without needing to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house. The first thing you must do before starting the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area where it will be placed. This is because eliminating any obstructions from the area will help you to work. You should also take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with your installation. When preparing the area you must take measurements and mark the location where you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could damage your door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a place that is accessible for your pets, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home. The cat flap can be set in a door that leads to a closed space like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from jumping over it and allows you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your smallest cat to use, since larger cats may have difficulty to jump through a higher flap. It could be a good option to employ an experienced handyman when you have sliding doors or window with a sash that is old-fashioned. It can be difficult to install a cat flap on these windows and doors and a mistake could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural integrity. To mark the space for the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to cut precisely the flap's opening. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to ensure it's horizontal. Check the instructions that came along with the cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the center of the door. Measurement A cat flap, also known as a dog door, is a small opening at the bottom of doors or windows. It lets pets get in and out of the house. They come in various sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your home and pet. It is essential to measure your windows or doors prior to purchasing a new cat flap. cat flap fitting repairmywindowsanddoors can be sure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. An effective method is to block off a part of the door and then try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an exact idea of the opening size (width). It is also recommended to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a level that your cats are comfortable with. If it's too low they may struggle to get through and if it's too high, they might not be able to use the flap at all. In general, you should aim to create your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap installation. If the cat flap kit you purchased didn't include a spirit-level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used instead. When fitting the cat flap to glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ an expert glazier to do this for you. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are usually toughened and drilling into them could damage the integrity of the glass and possibly result in it breaking in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home. It can also be difficult to install a cat flap in a brick wall, as drilling into a soft section of the wall can cause problems for cables and pipes running through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from the outside. Marking Once you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark where the hole will be. Mark the centre of the flap using a spirit level. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and draw around it using pencil to mark the area where the hole will need to be cut. If the cat flap is set too low, your cat could struggle to get into and out. Likewise, if you place it too high, the cat might not be able to observe what's happening outside. It is recommended to get it as close to the height of your cat's belly as possible to allow them the greatest comfort and security. Also, you should be cautious not to place a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause issues with damp, draughts, and stability. If you're not familiar in masonry work it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance. Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if a person is nearby encouraging them). Once they've made it through the door and are comfortable, you can slowly begin to let them in and out at will. It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this could cause them to be scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk or snap as it closes, and be even more scared if their tail gets caught in it as they try to exit. 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 know. Installing a small cat door is recommended if your kitten or cat is able to use it. Installation Once the cat flap is in place, it is important to teach your cat how to use it. It will take some time, but with patience, and a few treats as motivation your cat will eventually learn to use it. It is also possible to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when out of the house. The first thing you should determine where you would like to place the cat flap inside your door. It will need to be placed in a location that can open up to an area of protection in your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure when they enter and exit the house and can also stop other animals from entering your home. Another thing to consider is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to move through. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to assist your cat get through it with ease. Once you have chosen the location you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you an idea of the best place to cut. Then, you will need to cut out an area on the door with an Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask while doing this, as breathing in dust could be harmful to your health. After the square has been cut, sand the edges of the door. This will give a smooth edge. When you are done the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be installed so that the lock, if there is one, is located on the inside of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. Then, carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.