How To Install A Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation to allow them to become familiar with the size and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from all angles.
Make sure that the cut-out is even and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the cat flap opening The distance between the edges should be equal.
Preparation
Having a cat flap installed in your home can be beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it allows them to freely move between indoors and out without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the door to the home.
The first thing you'll need to do prior to beginning your cat flap install is prepare the area in which it will be located. It will be much easier to work with if you eliminate any obstacles. You should also remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder your installation.
In preparing the area you must determine the exact location and measurement you plan on installing the cat flap. This will prevent you from making a mistake which could cause damage to the door or wall. You should put the cat flap in a spot that is easily accessible to your cat, but doesn't harm the structural integrity of your home.
The best place to put the cat flap is inside a door that leads to a closed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop the cat from jumping over it, and allow you to keep the cats away from any potential dangers. You should also ensure that the cat flap is not too low to be used by your smaller cat, as taller cats may have difficulty leaping through a higher-height flap.
It could be a good idea to employ a professional handyman when you have a sliding door or a sash window that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap in these types of windows and doors can be challenging and mistakes could result in costly damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap in a safe manner without harming the structural integrity of the door or window.
To determine the space for the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or a tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to cut precisely the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line using a spirit level, you can use it to make sure it is perfectly horizontal. Then, go through the directions included in the cat flap kit to find the template. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be placed in the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows pets to go inside and out of the home. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet and you.
Before you buy a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the dimensions of your window or door where you intend to install it. This way you can be sure that the hole is going to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this technique to determine the width of the opening by cutting off a section and walking through it with your pet.
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest point of their stomach. This will ensure the flap is set at the right place for your cat to are comfortable. If it's too low, they could struggle to pass through. If it is too high, they might not be able to use the flap.
In general, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap install. The best option is to use a spirit-level to aid you in this but if the instructions included with your cat flap kit don't have this then a straight edge can work the same job.
When putting the cat flap onto a glass or UPVC window or door, it is best to employ an experienced glazier to complete this for you. This is because these kinds of doors are normally hardened, and drilling into them could compromise the strength of the glass and could result in it breaking in the future, which could be a security risk for your home.
Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be problematic too, as when you drill into a soft section of the wall this can create problems for pipes and cables that go through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage caused by the outside.
Marking
After you've measured your cat or kitten to find the right size flap, it's time to mark where the hole needs to go. Make use of your spirit level to make sure it runs flush with the door, then mark the center point. If the template for your cat flap insulation flap kit doesn't include the centre line, copy it and draw around it using pencil to mark the location where the hole must be cut.
If the cat flap is too low, your cat flap cover for winter could be unable to get out and in, and if you place it too high, the cat may not be able see what's going on outside. To ensure that your cat feels secure and safe, it is best to place the flap as close as you can to their stomach.
It is also important to be cautious not to place a cat flap in too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it could cause problems with damp, draughts and stability. It's a good idea to seek help from a professional when you're not experienced with masonry.
Then you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by showing them where to go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to help them). Once they've made it through, you can start letting them in and out as they want.
It is not advisable to push your kitten or cat through the flap at a high speed because it could cause them to be scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing may cause injuries to your kitten or cat. They will be even more scared if their tail gets caught in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to check on any intrusions, so having the door open at this time could be fitting a cat flap problem as it can lead to your pet being attacked by another cat they know. This is why it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only if your cat knows to use it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the cat flap once it's been installed. It may take some time however, with patience and some treats to encourage them to do it, they will eventually get the hang of it. You might also want to put a lock on the cat flap for added security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when away from home.
The first thing to do is decide where you want to put the cat flap inside your door. It must be placed in a location that opens into a sheltered part of your garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure as they move into and out of your home, and will also help to keep other animals from entering your home.
Another consideration is the height that you want to put the cat flap at. This should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can move through. It is also possible to put steps on either side of the door to assist your cat navigate it with ease.
Once you've decided on where you'd like to put the cat flap in bifold doors flap, you can measure the door using an eraser and mark the area. This will give you a guide for the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square in the door with the Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling dust could be harmful to your health. After the square is cut then sand the edges the door. This will create an even edge.
After you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap 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, then drill them into place. Then, carefully place the cat flap into the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.