Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can become familiar with the size and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap inside your home is beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. It allows your pet to freely move from the inside to the outside, without having allow them to enter or leave. It also stops them from fighting over cat food and litter box or even the door to the house itself.
Set up the area where you'll be installing your cat flap prior to begin. It will be much easier to work with if you eliminate any obstructions. Also, you should remove any furniture and decorations that could hinder your installation.
When preparing the area it is important to take measurements and mark the location where you intend to put the cat flap. This will allow you avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. You will want to put the cat flap in a location that is accessible to your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
A good location to place the cat flap is inside a door that leads to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and also protect your cat from potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for cats is low enough to be used by your smallest cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a flap that is higher.
If made a post have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be a good idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. It isn't easy to install a cat flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the structural integrity.
To determine the space to place the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or tape measure to determine the height of your cat's belly from the floor. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn with a spirit-level, use it to ensure that it is completely horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with your cat flap kit to find the template drawing. Attach the template to your door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits a pet to leave and enter the house. You can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the best one for you and your pets.
It's important that you take measurements of your doors or windows prior to purchasing the new cat flap. This way, you can be sure that the hole to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to determine the size 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 bottom on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a height your cats are comfortable with. If it is too low, they might struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be able to use the flap.
In general, you should strive to create your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. Ideally you should use a spirit level to aid you in this, however if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit don't include this feature, a straight edge can work equally well.
It is recommended to have an experienced glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass window or door. This is because these types of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them could compromise the strength of the glass and may cause it to shatter in the future, which could be a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in brick walls can be problematic, too, because if you drill into a soft part of the wall, it could create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This can lead expensive repairs or leaks, or even weather damage that comes from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole in which you require it after you have measured your cat's measurements. Mark the center of the flap using a spirit level. If the template you have for the cat flap kit doesn't include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate where the hole should be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat may be unable to get in and out, and if you place it too high, the cat may not be able to observe what's happening outside. It is best to make it as close to your cat's belly height as you can to give them the most comfort and security.
It is important to keep a cat flap from being too close to a wall frame. This could cause issues with draughts and damp. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Next you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by pointing out where they should go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've walked through it then you can gradually begin to allow them to enter and exit at will.
It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too fast as this can lead to them becoming scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk or snap when it closes, and even more scared if their tail gets caught in it as they attempt to leave. Cats also return home to look for intruders, and leaving the door open can be risky. Your pet may be attacked by another cat they are familiar with. This is the reason it's best to put up an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat or kitten knows to use it.
Installation
It is essential to show your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It may take some time, but with patience and some treats to encourage them, they will eventually get the grasp of it. It is also possible to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when away from home.
Choose the location where you'd like to place the cat flap on your door. It will need to be placed in a location that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel secure as they exit and enter the house and can also prevent other animals from entering your home.
Also, you should be aware of the height of your flap for your cat. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to move through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to help your cat get through.
Once you have decided where you would like to place the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will give you an idea of where to cut. You will then need to cut a square into the door with a Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask while doing this, as breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square, it is necessary to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
After you've finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is placed on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you should then drill them into place. Then you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.