How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to the installation so that they be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Prop the flap open and let them explore it from every angle. Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door 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 is beneficial for the well-being and health of your pet. This is because it lets them to freely move between indoors and outside without you needing to let them in or out. It will also stop them from fighting over the litter box and cat food, or even the door to the house. The first thing that you will need to do before starting your cat flap install is prepare the area where it will be located. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. It is also important to remove any furniture or decorations that could hinder your work. You will have to trace and measure the area in which you plan to install the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making an error that could damage your door or wall. Ideally, you will want to put the flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't harm the structural integrity of your home. The best spot to put the cat flap is inside an entrance that leads to an enclosed space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and also protect your cat from potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as taller cats may struggle to leap through a higher flap. If you have an open patio door that slides or an old style sash window, it could be a good idea to hire an expert handyman for the task. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structural integrity. You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the area to be used for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you have the line drawn using a spirit level, you can use it to ensure it is completely horizontal. Follow the directions that came with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach it to your door so that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is centered on the centre of the door. Measurement A cat flap, also known as a pet door is a small hole in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that allow pets to enter and leave the house. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can choose the best one for your house and pets. Before you buy an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. You will then be able to ensure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and that the hole is the correct size. An effective method is to block off a portion of the door and try to walk through with your pet. This will give you an exact idea of the opening size (width). It is also recommended to take the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest point on their belly. This will ensure the flap is set at an area where your cats feel at ease. If it's too low, they may struggle to get through. If it is too high, they may not be capable of using the flap. In general, you should drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not include a spirit level or straight edge, a straight edge may be used in place. When you are installing the cat flap to a glass or UPVC door or window it is best to employ a professional glazier to do this for you. This is because these types of doors are usually toughened and drilling into them can weaken the integrity of the glass and could cause it to shatter in the future which could be a security risk for your home. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap in brick walls, since drilling into a soft part of the wall can create issues for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or even leaks or weather damage from outside. Marking Mark the hole in which you require it after you have measured your cat. Use your spirit level to make sure that it's parallel to the door, and then mark the center point. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and trace around it using a pencil to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut. If the cat flap is set too low, your cat will be unable to get into and out. Likewise, if you place it too high, your cat may not be able to see what's going on outside. To ensure that cat flap fitters near me is secure and safe, it is best to position the flap as close as you can to their stomach. It is also important to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause problems with draughts, damp and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance when you're not experienced with the masonry. Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is on the inside to encourage them). Once they've passed you can let them in and out as they would like. It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry as this can lead to them being scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing could cause injury to your cat or kitten. They will be even more scared if the tail gets trapped in the flap. Cats also have a habit of returning home to look for intruders so having the door open at this time could be a problem because it could result in your pet being attacked by another cat they know. This is the reason it's best to put up a small cat flap only and only when your cat or kitten is aware of its use. Installation It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the flap once it is installed. It will take some time, but with patience, and a few treats for an incentive your cat will eventually be able to use it. Install a lock on the cat flap if you want extra security, particularly during bad weather or when you're away from home. Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. This will need to be in a location that opens onto an area that is sheltered from the garden. This will allow your cat to feel more secure when they move into and out of your house, and can help to keep other animals from entering your home. It is also important to take into consideration the height of the cat flap. It should be in the same space as your cat's belly measurement, so that they will be able to pass through with ease. You can also put steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat pass through. Once you have decided where you would like to put 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. The next step is to cut a square in the door using a jigsaw. It is advised to wear safety goggles and a dust mask when doing this, since inhaling the dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square and trimmed, you must smooth the edges of the door to smooth the edges. Once you've finished sanding, now replace the cat flap on your door. The flap must be put in a position where the lock, if there's one, is located on the inside of the door. Drill the screw holes if there are any on the door. Then, carefully place the cat flap into the hole, making sure that it fits snuggly.