Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they become familiar with the size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Ensure the cut-out is even and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening for the cat flap The distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
A cat flap at home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to move from inside to the outside without you having allow them in or out. It also stops them from fighting over litter box and cat food or even the door to the house.
The first thing that you must do before starting the installation of your cat flap is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be installed. This is because removing any obstacles from the area will help you to work. You should also remove any furniture and other decorations that could hinder the installation.
When you are preparing the space, you will need to determine the exact location and measurement you intend to put the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making mistakes that could destroy your wall or door. It is best to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
The cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a space that is closed, like your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep your cats away from any potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as larger cats may have difficulty to jump through the flap.
It could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman when you have sliding doors or sash window that is old-fashioned. It isn't easy to install the cat flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structural integrity.
To mark the space for the cat flap, you will need to use an ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to accurately cut out the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having marked the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach it to the door so that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is centered on the centre of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allows a pet to enter and leave the house. They are available in various sizes and materials so that you can pick the right one for your home and pets.
Before you purchase a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors where you intend to install it. It is then possible to be certain that the cat flap you purchase will fit and that the hole will be the right size. An effective method is to block off a portion 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 cat from the ground up to the lowest part of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a height your cats are comfortable using. If it is too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they may not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should strive to make your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will give the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to use a spirit-level to assist you with this but if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit do not include this, straight edges will work the same job.
It's best to employ an experienced glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these kinds of doors are normally toughened and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and possibly cause it to shatter in the future which could pose a security hazard for your home.
Placing a cat flap in the brick wall could be problematic, too, because drilling into a soft part of the wall, this could cause problems with cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or leaks, or even weather damage from outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the appropriate size flap, it's time to mark the location where the hole should go. Mark the center of the flap using your spirit level. If your template 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.
Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of your home, and if it's too high, they could be unable 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 give them the maximum comfort and security.
It is important to not place a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional when you're not experienced with masonry.
Then, prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by pointing them to where they need to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to encourage them). Once they've done it you can let them go in and out as you would like.
You should not push your kitten or cat through the flap too fast because it could cause them to become scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk and snap when the flap closes, and even more scared if their tail is stuck in the flap as they attempt to get out. Cats also tend to return home to check for invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could be a problem since it could lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they know. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only when your cat or kitten is aware of using it.
Installation
Once the cat flap is set It is crucial to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time, but with patience and some treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get habit of it. You may also want to install a lock on the flap for extra security, particularly during harsh weather conditions or when you are out of the house.
Choose the location where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It should be put in a spot that opens up into an area of protection in your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they exit and enter the house. It can keep other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap on your cat. It should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
Once cat flap installers decided where you would like to put the flap, measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door using the jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to protect your health from dust inhalation. Once the square is cut, it is necessary to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
When you are done sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. You should put the cat flap so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. Then, carefully place the flap in the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.