How to Install a Cat Flap

Introduce your cat to the flap prior to installation so that they become familiar with its size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle. Make sure that the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be the same. Preparation A cat flap in your home is beneficial for the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it lets them to freely move between the indoors and outdoors without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over litter box and cat food or even the door to the house itself. 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. This is because removing any obstacles from the area will make it easier to work. You should also remove any furniture and decorations that could hinder the installation. You'll need to trace and measure the area where you'll be installing the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the flap somewhere that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't affect the integrity of your home's structure. The cat flap can be set in a door leading to a locked space, like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from jumping over it, and also protect your cat from potential dangers. You should also ensure that the flap for your cat is low enough to be used by the smaller cat, as larger cats may struggle to leap through a higher-height flap. If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned sash window, it could be best to employ an experienced handyman to do the job. It isn't easy to install a cat flap on these windows and doors and a mistake could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap with out damaging the door or window's structural strength. You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to determine the flap's location. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the cat flap. Use a spirit level after you've drawn the line to ensure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with your cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach it to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template aligns with the horizontal line that you've drawn and is aligned with the center point of the door. Measurement A cat flap, sometimes referred to as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your external doors or windows that allow a pet to enter and leave the home. You can choose from a variety of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for your pet. Before purchasing an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the size of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. This way you will be able to ensure that the hole is going to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. An effective method is to block off a part of the door and try to walk through with your pet, this will give you a precise picture of the opening size (width). It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest point of their belly. This will ensure the flap is installed in an area where your cats feel comfortable. If it's too low they may struggle to get through and if it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap at all. In cat flap in upvc door panel www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk , you should aim to make your holes at a 45-degree angle to the vertical surface. This will provide the most stable and secure fixings for your cat flap installation. If your cat flap kit did not come with a spirit level, a straight edge can be used in place. It's best to employ a professional glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass door or window. The doors are usually made tougher and drilling could weaken their integrity and lead to them shattering. This could be a security threat for your home. Putting a cat flap into the brick wall could be problematic, too, because when you drill into a soft part of the wall, this could cause problems with cables and pipes that run through the property. This can result in costly repairs, or even leaks or weather damage that comes from outside. Marking Mark the hole you'll need it after measuring your cat's measurements. Mark the centre of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, use the pencil to trace around the template to mark where the hole should be cut. Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it could be difficult for your cat to climb in and out of your home, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what is going on outside. To ensure your cat feels safe and comfortable, it is best to position the flap as close as is possible to their stomach. It is crucial to avoid placing a cat flap too close to a wall frame. This could result in problems with draughts and damp. If you're unfamiliar with masonry work it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance. Next you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to enter it by pointing out where they should go (it helps if there's someone on the inside to encourage them). Once they've passed then you can begin letting them in and out as they please. It is important not to force your cat or kitten through the flap too quickly as this could lead to them being scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk or snap when the flap closes, and they could be scared if their tail is caught in it as they try to exit. Cats also tend to return home to check for invaders, so leaving the door open at this time could be a problem as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat they are familiar with. This is the reason it's best to install a small cat flap and only if your cat is aware of using it. Installation It is essential to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it's installed. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats for an incentive your cat will eventually learn how to utilize it. Install a lock to your cat flap if you want extra security, particularly in bad weather 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 on your door. This will need to be in a location that can open up to a sheltered area of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure as they move into and out of the home, and will also help prevent other animals from accessing your home. Another factor to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. This should be in the same area as the measurement of your cat's belly to ensure that they can pass through the door easily. You can also place steps on either side of the entrance to assist your cat pass through. Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap, you can measure the door with an eraser and mark the spot. This will give you an idea of where to cut. You will then need to cut a square out of the door with a Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a mask for dust protection while doing this, as breathing in dust could be harmful to your health. After the square is cut and sanded, you can sand the edges of the door. This will create an even edge. After you've finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The cat flap should be installed 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 should then drill them into place. Then, you should carefully insert the cat flap into the hole, making sure it fits snugly.