How to Install a Cat Flap

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 them explore it from all angles. Make sure that the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be equal. Preparation Installing a cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to move from the inside to the outside, without needing to allow them in or out. It can also stop them fighting over cat food and litter box, or even the door to the house. The first thing you must do prior to beginning the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area in which it will be installed. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will help you to work. It is also important to take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with the installation. You will be required to mark and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could cause damage to your door or wall. It is important to place the cat flap in a location that is accessible to your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home. The cat flap can be placed on the doorway leading to a space that is closed such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from attempting to jump over it, and allow you to keep your cats safe from any possible dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your smaller cat, as taller cats will struggle leaping through a flap that is higher. It is a good idea to hire an expert handyman if you own sliding doors or windows with sash that are old-fashioned. It isn't easy 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 door or window's structural integrity. You'll need to determine the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the flap's location. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line, use a spirit level to ensure that it is completely horizontal. Review the instructions that came along with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of the door. Measurement A cat flap, also known as a dog's door, is a small opening at the bottom of external doors or windows. It lets pets leave and enter the house. You can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the right one for you and your pets. It is important to measure your windows or doors before you buy the new cat flap. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by securing off a section and walking through it with your pet. It is also recommended to measure the height of your feline from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. cat flap installation near me will ensure that the flap is placed at a height your cat is comfortable with. If it's too low, they may struggle to pass through. If it's too high, they might not be capable of using the flap. In general, you should try to drill your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit-level, a straight edge can be used in place. 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. The doors are typically toughened, and drilling can compromise their strength and lead to them shattering. This could pose a security threat for your home. Placing a cat flap in a brick wall can be problematic too, as when you drill into a soft section of the wall, it could cause problems with pipes and cables that run through the property. This can lead to expensive repairs or even leaks and weather damage from the 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. Mark the center of the flap using a spirit level. If the template for the cat flap doesn't include the centre line, copy it and draw around it with a pencil to mark the spot where the hole must be cut. Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it can make it difficult for your cat to get in and out of your home, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable, it is best to put the flap as close as is possible to their stomach. You also want to be careful not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you're not familiar with masonry. Next then, open the door and encourage your cat kitten to go through it by pointing them to where they need to go (it helps if someone's on the inside to encourage them). Once they've made it through the door, you can slowly start to allow them to enter and exit at will. It is not advisable to push your cat or kitten through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to be scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing can cause injury to your kitten or cat. They will be even more scared if their tail gets stuck in the flap. Cats also tend to return home to look for intrusions, so having the door open during this time could be a problem because it could result in your pet being attacked by another cat they know. This is why it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat knows to use it. Installation It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the cat flap after it's installed. This will take time but with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get hang of it. Install a lock to the cat flap if your pet needs additional security, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home. Choose the location where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It must be located in a place that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they go in and out of the home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home. You should also consider the height of the flap. It should be in line with your cat's belly measurement, so that they can pass through with ease. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through. 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 will need to cut out a square on the door using an Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles, and a dust mask to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. After the square has been cut then sand the edges the door. This will create an even edge. When you are done the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The flap should be placed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, should there be any on the door. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.