Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to be familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges must be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it allows them to freely move between indoors and out without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It can also stop them fighting over the cat food and litter box or even the door to the house.
Set up the area where you'll be installing your cat flap before you begin. This is because removing obstructions from the area will make it easier for you to work. Also, you should take away any furniture or decorations that may interfere with the installation.
You'll have to mark and measure the space where you intend to install the cat flap. This will help you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy your door or wall. It is important to place the cat flap in a location that is accessible to your cats, but won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be placed on the doorway leading to a closed space such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from jumping over it, and you can protect your pets from potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your small cat, since taller cats will struggle leaping through a higher-height flap.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old style sash window, it might be best to hire a professional handyman for the task. It can be difficult to install an animal flap on these windows and doors, and mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap safely and without compromising the structural strength of the window or door.
To determine the space for the cat flap you'll need a ruler or a tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn using a spirit level, you can use it to ensure that it is completely horizontal. Next, check the instructions included with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach it to the door in a way that the bottom edge of the template is in line with the horizontal line you've drawn and is centered on the centre point of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to enter and leave the house. You can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet.
It is essential to measure your windows or doors before purchasing the new cat flap. This way you can be sure that the hole 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 a precise picture of the opening size (width).
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the bottom of their belly. This will ensure the flap is placed at a height where your cats feel comfortable. If it's too low, they might have difficulty getting through and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap in any way.
In general, you should aim to create your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap install. It is recommended to use a spirit-level to aid you in this, however if the instructions that came with your kit for installing a cat flap don't include this feature, a straight edge will do equally well.
When putting the cat flap into glass or UPVC window or door, it's best to hire an experienced glazier to complete this for you. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could compromise their strength and cause them to shatter. This could be an security risk to your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap inside brick walls, since drilling into a soft part of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This could result in costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from the outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat's measurements. Make use of your spirit level to ensure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the center point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centreline, photocopy it. Then use a pencil to trace around the template to mark where the hole should be cut.
If the flap for your cat is set too low, your cat could struggle to get into and out. Likewise, when you set it too high, the cat may not be able to observe what's happening outside. It is best to try to make it close to your cat's belly height as possible to allow them the greatest comfort and security.
It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This could result in problems with draughts and damp. If you're unfamiliar working with masonry, it might be worth seeking professional help.
Then you should prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've passed then you can begin letting them in and out as you please.
It is important not to allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too fast because this could result in them being scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing may cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more scared if the tail is trapped in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to look for intruders so having the door open during this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat they are familiar with. Installing a small cat door is recommended when your cat or kitten is able to use it.
Installation
It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap after it's been installed. It may take some time but with patience and some treats to encourage them, they will eventually get hang of it. Install cat flap installers on the cat flap if you want extra security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to decide where you would like to put the cat flap inside your door. It must be placed in a spot 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 leave and enter the home and will keep other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height that you'd like to set the flap for your cat at. This should be in accordance with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they can move through. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat get through.
After you have determined where you want to put the flap Measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will provide you with an idea of where to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door using an jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a dust mask while doing this, as inhaling dust could be harmful to your health. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to smooth the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you have finished sanding your door, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be installed so that the lock, if there is one, is on the inside of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you should then drill them into place. Then, carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure that it fits snugly.