Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when 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.
Make sure the cutout is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
A cat flap in your home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. It will allow your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside, without having let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food or the door to the home.
Set up the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. This is because eliminating any obstacles from the area will help you to work. It is also important to take away any furniture or other decorations that might get in the way of your installation.
You'll need to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake that could cause damage to your door or wall. You will want to put the cat flap in a location that is accessible for your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be put on the doorway leading to a closed space, like your closet or laundry room. This will prevent your cat from jumping over it, and also protect your pets from dangers. The flap should be low enough for your smallest cat to use, since taller cats may struggle to jump through a higher flap.
If you have a sliding patio door or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be an ideal idea to hire an experienced handyman to do the task. Installing a cat flap into these types of windows and doors can be a challenge and mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap safely and without compromising the structural strength of the window or door.
To mark the space to place the cat flap, you'll need an ruler or 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 cat flap. Use a spirit level once you've drawn the line to ensure it is horizontal. Next, check the instructions that came with the cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be aligned in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow pets to go inside and out of the home. You can choose from a variety sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet and you.
It's important that you measure your windows or doors prior to purchasing the new cat flap. This way, you will be able to ensure that the hole will to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. 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 picture of the opening size (width).
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest part 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 might struggle to pass through, and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap at all.
In general, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will result in the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap installation. Ideally you should utilize a spirit level to assist you with this, but if the directions included with your cat flap kit do not include this, a straight edge will do just as well.
When fitting the cat flap onto glass or UPVC door or window it is best to employ an expert glazier to do this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could pose a security threat for your home.
It is also difficult to install a cat flap in a brick wall, as drilling into a soft section of the wall can cause issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This can lead expensive repairs or leaks, or even weather damage from outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to determine the correct size flap for them then you need to mark where the hole needs to go. Use your spirit level to make sure it is in line with the door, then mark the centre point. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use a pencil to trace around the template to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it will be difficult for your cat to go into and out of the home, and if it's too high, they might struggle to see what is going on outside. It is best to make it close to your cat's belly height as you can to give them the maximum comfort and security.
It is crucial to not place a cat flap too close to a solid wall frame. This can cause problems with draughts and damp. It's worth getting professional help in case you're not familiar with masonry.
Next step is 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, you can start letting them in and out as they would like.
It's important that you don't push your cat or kitten through the flap in a hurry as this could lead to them being scared. The clunk, snap and squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your kitten or cat. They'll be more scared if the tail is caught in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to search for intruders. Leaving the door open can be dangerous. Your pet may be attacked by a cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is recommended if your kitten or cat knows how to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it is installed. It may take some time, but with patience and a few treats to encourage them, they will eventually get hang of it. You may also want to put a lock on the flap to provide security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when you're away from home.
The first thing you need to do is decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap inside your door. It must be located in a place that opens out into an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will make your cat feel secure as they enter and exit the house and can keep other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height that you'd like to set the flap for your cat at. It should be in the same area as your cat's belly measurement, as this will ensure that they can get through with ease. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.
After you have decided where you would like to place the cat flap Measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door with a Jigsaw. Wear safety goggles and a dust mask to ensure your health from inhaling dust. After the square is cut and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After cat flap fitters near me have finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. The flap must be placed so that the lock, if there is one, is on the side of your door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill these into place. Then, carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.