How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can become familiar with the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.

Make sure that the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the cat flap opening - the distance between the edges must be equal.

Preparation

Having a cat flap installed at home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from inside to the outside without you needing to let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over litter box and cat food or even the door to the house itself.

The first thing that you'll need to do before starting your cat flap install is prepare the area where it will be placed. It will be much easier to work if you remove any obstacles. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that could get in the way of the installation.

In preparing the area, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you intend to put the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could ruin the door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a location that is accessible to your cat, but doesn't compromise your home's structural integrity.

The best location to place the cat flap is in a door that leads to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from tripping over it and will keep your cats away from potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by your smaller cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a higher-height flap.

If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it might be a good idea to employ an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap into these windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap in a safe manner without damaging the structural integrity of the door or window.

To determine the space for the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or a tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will allow you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to ensure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach this to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line you have drawn and is centered on the centre point of the replacement upvc door panel with cat flap.

Measurement

A cat flap (Telegra.ph), also known as pet doors is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits a pet to enter and leave the house. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can pick the right one for your home and pets.

Before purchasing a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your windows or doors in which you plan to install it. This way, you can be sure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this method to measure the width 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. This will ensure the flap is placed at the right place for your cat to feel at ease. If it is too low, they could struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.

In general, you should strive to drill 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 help you with this but if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit don't have this then a straight edge can work equally well.

When fitting the cat flap onto glass or replacement upvc door panels with cat flap window or door, it's best to hire an expert glazier to do this for you. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could cause damage to their structure and result in them breaking. This could create the risk of security for your home.

Putting a cat flap into a brick wall can be a problem, too, since when you drill into a soft section of the wall, this could cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.

Marking

Mark the hole in which you require it after you have measured your cat. Make use of your spirit level to make sure that it's flush with the upvc door panels cat flap, then mark the centre point. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit doesn't include the centre line, copy it and trace around it with a pencil to mark the location where the hole will need to be cut.

If the cat flap is too low, your cat flap installation may struggle to get in and out, and should you put it too high, the cat may not be able to observe what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat feels safe and comfortable it is best to place the flap as close as you can to their stomach.

You also want to be aware not to put a cat flap double glazing flap in too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause issues with draughts, damp and stability. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional when you're not experienced with the masonry.

Then, prop the door open and encourage your cat kitten to go through it by pointing out where they should go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've made it through then you can begin letting them go in and out as you want.

You should not push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this could cause them to become scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and they could be terrified if their tail gets stuck in the flap as they try to exit. Cats also return home to look for intruders, and leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet could be attacked by a cat they know. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat or kitten knows to use it.

Installation

It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the cat flap once it's been installed. This will take time however, with patience and a few treats to encourage them to learn, they will eventually get the hang of it. You may also want to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you're out of the house.

The first thing you should do is decide where you want to put the cat flap inside your door. It must be placed in a spot that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they move in and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home.

Another consideration is the height you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they can move through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat to get through.

Once you've decided on where you want to place the cat flap You can measure the door with an eraser and mark the location. This will help you decide where you will need to cut. Then, you will need to cut out a square on the door using an Jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be hazardous to your health. After the square is cut, sand the edges of the door. This will create a smooth edge.

After you've completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap in your door. You should put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill them into the hole. Then, you should carefully insert the cat flap into the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.