How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they can become familiar with its size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.

Make sure the cut-out is level and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.

Preparation

Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside without you having 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 itself.

The first thing that you must do prior to starting the installation of your cat flap is to prepare the area where it will be located. It will be easier to work with if you eliminate any obstacles. Also, you should remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder your installation.

You will have to mark and measure the space where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will allow you avoid making a mistake that could ruin your door or wall. Ideally,  cat flap installers  will want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't harm the structural integrity of your home.

A good place to put the cat flap is the doorway leading to an enclosed space like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and also keep your cats away from potential dangers. Also, make sure that the flap for your cat is low enough to be used by the smaller cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.

If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it could be an ideal idea to hire an expert handyman for the task. It can be a challenge to install the cat flap on these doors and windows and a mistake can cause costly damage. A professional will be able to install the cat flap safely and without damaging the structural integrity of the window or door.

To mark the space for the cat flap you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of your door.

Measurement

A cat flap, also referred to as a dog door is a small opening located at the bottom of external doors or windows. It allows pets to enter and exit the home. They are available in different sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your home and pet.

It is essential to take measurements of your doors or windows prior to purchasing the new cat flap. You can then be sure that your cat flap will fit and the hole is the right size. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by securing off a section and walking through it with your pet.

It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of 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 may struggle to get through. If it's too high, they might not be able to use the flap.

In general, you should strive to create your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will result in the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. The best option is to use a spirit level to aid you in this but if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, a straight edge will do just as well.

It is recommended to hire a professional glazier put in the cat flap in a UPVC or glass window or door. The doors are typically toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could create an security risk to your home.

It can also be difficult to install a cat flap on brick walls, since drilling into a soft section of the wall can cause problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This can result in costly repairs or leaks, or even weather damage caused by outside.

Marking

After you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them, it's time to mark where the hole will be. Utilizing your spirit level to ensure it runs parallel to the door, then mark the center point. If your template for the cat flap kit does not include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate where the hole should be cut.

Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to get in and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they might struggle to see what is going on outside. It is best to try to make it as close to your cat's belly height as possible to allow them the most comfort and security.

Also, you should be aware not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it could cause issues with damp, draughts and stability. If you're unfamiliar in masonry work, it might be beneficial to seek professional assistance.

Next you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is inside, to encourage them). Once they've walked through it 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 at a high speed because it could cause them to be scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk or snap when it closes, and they could be terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they attempt to get out. Cats also are known to return home to look for intrusions, so having the door open could be a problem since it could lead to your pet being attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a cat door that is small is recommended when your cat or kitten knows how to use it.

Installation

It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it's been installed. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get habit of it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you need extra security, particularly in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.

Decide where you want to put the cat flap on your door. It should be in a location that opens out into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure as they come in and out of the house, and also keep other animals out of your home.

It is also important to be aware of the height of your flap. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they are able to move through. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door to assist your cat move through it more easily.

After you have decided where you would like to place the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will allow you to determine the location you need to cut. Then, you will need to cut an area on the door with an Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while working on this, as inhaling the dust can be dangerous to your health. Once the square is cut into pieces, it is essential to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.

Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. The cat flap should be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of your door. If there are holes for screws 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 it fits snugly.