Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they can become familiar with the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap inside your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. It allows your pet to move from inside to the outside without you needing to allow them to enter or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over the cat food and litter box or even the entrance to the house itself.
Prepare the area where you'll be installing your cat flap before you begin. It will be easier to work with if you eliminate any obstacles. Also, you should take away any furniture or other decorations that could hinder the installation.
You'll need to mark and measure the space where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could damage your wall or door. Ideally, you will want to place the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your pets, but doesn't affect the strength of the structure of your home.
The cat flap can be set on the doorway leading to a space that is closed like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from tripping over it and also protect your pets from dangers. Also, make sure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your smallest cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a higher-height flap.
It might be a wise idea to hire an expert handyman if you have sliding doors or a sash window that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap in these doors and windows can be challenging and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap in a safe manner without damaging the structural strength of the door or window.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the area for the flap. This will allow you to accurately cut the opening for the flap. Use a spirit level after having marked the line to ensure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to find the template. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, also known as a dog door is a small opening at the bottom of external doors or windows. It allows pets to leave and enter the home. They are available in a variety of sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your house and pets.
It is important to take measurements of your windows or doors prior to purchasing the new cat flap. This way you will be able to ensure that the hole is going to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to determine the width of the opening by securing off a section of it and walking through it with your pet.
It is also recommended to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the bottom of their stomach. This will ensure the flap is installed in the right place for your cat to feel comfortable. If it's too low, they could struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be in a position to use the flap.
In general, you should aim to drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. The best option is to use a spirit-level to assist you with this but if the instructions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't have this then a straight edge will do just as well.
When putting the cat flap onto glass or UPVC window or door, it is recommended to hire a professional glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened, and drilling can weaken their integrity and lead to them shattering. This could be a security threat for your home.
It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside a brick wall, as drilling into a soft part of the wall can cause problems for cables and pipes running through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat. Use your spirit level to make sure it runs parallel to the door, then mark the centre point. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit does not include a centre line, photocopy it and draw around it with a pencil to mark the location where the hole needs to be cut.
Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it can be difficult for your cat to go into and out of the house, and if it's too high, they could struggle to see what's happening outside. It is recommended to get it close to the height of your cat's belly as you can to give them the most comfort and security.
You also want to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause issues with damp, draughts and stability. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional in case you're not familiar with masonry.
Then you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is inside, helping them). Once they've passed then you can begin letting them in and out as they would like.
You should not push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed as this could cause them to become scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and they could be terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they try to exit. Cats also return home to check for intruders. Leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your cat could be attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to install a small cat flap and only when your cat or kitten is aware of its use.
Installation
Once the flap is installed It is essential to show your cat how to use it. It will take some time, but with patience and some treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get the hang of it. Install a lock to the cat flap if your pet needs extra security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
Decide where you want to place the cat flap on your door. It will need to be placed in a place that can open up to an area of protection in your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they go into and out of the house, and also keep other animals out of your home.
cat flap installer near me RepairMyWindowsAndDoors to consider is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in accordance to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat get through.
Once you've decided where you want to place the cat flap then you can measure the door using a pencil and mark the spot. This will provide you with an idea of the best place to cut. Then, you'll have to cut an area around the door using a Jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask, to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. After the square is cut, sand the edges of the door. This will create an even edge.
After you've finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. You should put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill them into the hole. Then, carefully place the flap in the hole, ensuring that it is snugly in place.