Introduce your cat to the flap before it's put in place so that they get used to the size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cut-out is level and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be the same.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap inside your home can be beneficial to the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it lets the pet to move freely between indoors and out without needing to allow them to enter or exit. It will also stop them from fighting over litter boxes, cat food, or the door of the house.
The first thing that you will need to do before starting the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area in which it will be placed. composite door cat flap is because removing obstructions from the area will help you to work. It is also important to remove any furniture and other decorations that could hinder your installation.
You will have to mark and measure the area where you intend to install 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 spot that is accessible to your cats, but won't harm the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a closed space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from tripping over it and will protect your pets from potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by the small cat, since larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap.
It might be a wise idea to employ a professional handyman when you have sliding doors or a window with a sash that is old-fashioned. Installing a cat flap on these doors and windows isn't easy, and mistakes can result in costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap in a safe manner without damaging the structural integrity of the window or door.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the flap's location. This will enable you to accurately cut the flap's opening. Once you have the line drawn, use a spirit level to make sure it is horizontal. Check the instructions that came with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines you have drawn. The template should be placed in the center of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow a pet to go inside and out of the home. They are available in different sizes and materials so that you can pick the ideal one for your house and pets.
Before you purchase a cat flap it's important to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors where you intend to install it. It is then possible to be certain that the cat flap you purchase will fit and that the hole is the right size. You can use this technique to determine the size of the opening by blocking 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 lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is installed at a height that your cat is comfortable with. If it is too low, they might struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be able to use the flap.
In general, you should aim to make your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. Ideally you should utilize a spirit level to help you with this, but if the directions included with your kit for installing a cat flap don't include this feature, straight edges will work the same job.
When fitting the cat flap into glass or UPVC door or window it is best to employ a professional glazier to do this for you. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are normally made of toughened glass and drilling into them can damage the integrity of the glass and could lead to it shattering in the future which could be a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in a brick wall can be problematic, too, because if you drill into a soft section of the wall, it could cause problems with pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after you have measured your cat. Use your spirit level to ensure it runs parallel to the door, and then mark the center point. If your template for the cat flap kit doesn't include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can 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 could be unable to get out and in, and should you put it too high, your cat might not be able to observe what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels secure and safe it is recommended to position the flap as close as possible to their stomach.
It is crucial to keep a cat flap from being too close to a solid wall frame. This could result in problems with draughts and damp. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance if you aren't familiar with the masonry.
Then, prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by pointing out where they should go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've passed then you can begin letting them in and out as you please.
You should not push your kitten or cat through the flap too fast because this can cause them to be scared. The clunk, snap, and squeak of the door closing may cause harm to your cat or kitten. They'll be more scared if their tail is caught in the flap. Cats also are known to return home to check for invaders, so leaving the door open during this time could pose a risk as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat that they know. This is why it's recommended to install a small cat flap only and only if your cat or kitten knows to use it.
Installation
It is important 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 provide an incentive, your cat will eventually be able to utilize it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want extra security, particularly during bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing you should determine the location you'd like to place the cat flap in your door. It should be put in a spot that can open up to a sheltered part of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure as they go in and out of the house, and also to keep other animals from entering your home.
It is also important to be aware of the height of your cat flap. This should be in accordance with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to pass through. You could also think about placing steps either side of the door to help your cat move through it more easily.
Once you've decided on where you want to place the cat flap, you can measure the door with a pencil and mark the area. This will allow you to determine where to cut. Then, you'll have to cut an area around the door using a Jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as breathing in dust could be hazardous to your health. After cutting the square and trimmed, you must sand around the edges of the door to create smooth edges.
Once you have completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap on your door. It is recommended to put the cat flap in so that the lock (if there is one) is on the inside of the door. If there are screws for the cat flap on the door, you should now drill these into place. Then, you should carefully insert the flap inside the hole, making sure it is snugly in place.