Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let them explore it from every angle.
Make sure that the cutout 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
Installing a cat-proof flap in your home is beneficial for the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it lets them to move freely between indoors and out without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It will also stop them from fighting over the litter box and cat food, or even the door to the house.
The first thing you'll need to do before starting your cat flap install is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be placed. It will be much easier to work if you remove any obstructions. You should also remove any furniture and decorations that might hinder your installation.
When 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 cause damage to your door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a spot that is accessible to your cats, but won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
A good spot to put the cat flap is in the doorway leading to an enclosed space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from jumping over it, and will keep your cats away from potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your smallest cat, as taller cats will struggle leaping through a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it might be an ideal idea to hire a professional handyman for the task. It isn't easy to install an animal flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap safely and without harming the structural integrity of the door or window.
To mark out the area 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. Use a spirit level after you've marked the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with your cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits pets to enter and leave the home. They come in different sizes and materials so that you can choose the best one for your house and pets.
It is important to take measurements of your doors or windows before you buy the new cat flap. This way, you can be sure that the hole is going to be the right 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 with your pet. This will give you a precise idea of the passage opening size (width).
It is also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed in an area where your cats are at ease. If it is too low, they might struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they might not be in a position to use the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. The best option is to use a spirit level to assist you with this, however if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap do not include this, a straight edge can work equally well.
It is recommended to employ a professional glazier put in the cat flap on a UPVC or glass door or window. The doors are typically toughened and drilling could cause damage to their structure and result in them breaking. This could create an security risk to your home.
Putting a cat flap into brick walls can be problematic too, as if you drill into a soft section of the wall, it could cause problems with pipes and cables that go through the property. This could result in costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from the outside.
Marking
Once you've measured your cat kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark the location where the hole will be. Mark the centre of the flap with your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use a pencil to draw around the template to indicate the area where the hole needs to be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it will make it difficult for your cat to get in and out of your home, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what is happening outside. It is recommended to get it as close to your cat's belly height as possible to allow them the maximum comfort and security.
It is essential to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This can cause problems with damp and draughts. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional in case you're not familiar with masonry.
Next, prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to come 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 passed you can let them in and out as they please.
It's important that you don't push your cat or kitten through the flap too fast as this can lead to them becoming scared. They could be injured by the clunk or snap as it closes, and even more terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they try to exit. Cats also return home to search for intruders, and leaving the door open is risky. Your pet could be attacked by another cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is best for your cat or kitten if it knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is in place It is crucial to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time, but with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get habit of it. You may also want to put a lock in the flap for extra security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when away from the house.
The first thing you should do is decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap in your door. This will need to be located in a place that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel secure as they leave and enter the home and will keep other animals from entering your home.
Another factor to consider is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. It should be in the same area as the measurement of your cat's belly, as this will ensure that they can pass through easily. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door, to help your cat move through it with ease.
Once you've determined where you'd like to place the cat flap, you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the spot. This will help you decide the best place to cut. The next step is to cut a square in the door with an Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask, to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. Once the square is cut into pieces, it is essential to sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
Once you have finished sanding, now replace the cat flap in your door. cat flap insulation should be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is located on the side of your door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you must then drill them into place. You should then carefully place the flap inside the hole, making sure it fits snugly.