How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's installed so they can get used to the size and shape. Unlock the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle. Make sure that the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with your cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be equal. Preparation Having a cat flap installed at home can be beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. cat flaps is because it lets them to move freely between the indoors and outdoors without you having to allow them to enter or exit. It also stops them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the entrance to the home. The first thing that you must do prior to beginning your cat flap install is make sure that you have the area ready for where it will be installed. It will be easier to work if you remove any obstructions. Also, you should remove any furniture and other decorations that might hinder your installation. You will have to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake that could ruin your wall or door. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to place the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible for your pets, but doesn't affect the strength of the structure of your home. The cat flap can be placed in a door leading to a space that is closed such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from jumping over it and allows you to keep the cats away from any potential dangers. The flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to use, as larger cats might struggle to climb over a flap that is higher. It might be a wise option to employ an experienced handyman if you own sliding doors or windows with sash that are old-fashioned. It can be difficult to install an animal flap on these doors and windows, and mistakes could lead to costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap safely and without harming the structural integrity of the window or door. You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground to mark the area for the flap. This will allow you to precisely cut the flap's opening. Use a spirit level after you've drawn the line to make sure it is horizontal. Then, go through the directions included with the cat flap kit to find the template. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge coincides with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of your door. Measurement A cat flap, also known as pet doors is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits a pet to enter and leave the house. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, so you can pick the ideal one for your home and pets. Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of your windows or doors in which you're planning to put it. This way you can be sure that the hole to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. This method can be used to determine the size of the opening by blocking off a section and walking through it with your pet. It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground to the lowest point of their stomach. This will ensure the flap is installed in a height where your cats feel at ease. 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. Generally, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't include a spirit-level, a straight edge can be used instead. It's best to have a professional glazier put in the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could cause damage to their structure and lead to them shattering. This could create a security threat for your home. Installing a cat flap on the brick wall could be problematic too, as if you drill into a soft area of the wall, it could cause issues with cables and pipes that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or leaks, or even weather damage caused by outside. Marking Mark the hole in which you require it after you have measured your cat. Mark the center of the flap using your spirit level. If the template for your cat flap kit doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and draw around it using a pencil to mark the area where the hole needs to be cut. Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it could make it difficult for your cat to get into and out of the house, and if the flap is too high, they could be unable to see what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure it is recommended to position the flap as close as you can to their stomach. You also want to be aware not to put a cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall as it could cause problems with damp, draughts and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance when you're not experienced with the masonry. 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 in the room to encourage them). Once they've made their way through the door, you can slowly start to let them in and out at will. It is important not to allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap too fast as this can lead to them getting scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap when the flap closes, and they could be terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they try to exit. Cats are also known to return home to check for intruders, and leaving the door open could be risky. Your cat could 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 is aware of its use. Installation Once the flap is in place It is crucial to show your cat how to use it. It will take a while however, with patience and a few treats to provide motivation, your cat will eventually be able to use it. You may also want to install a lock on the flap for extra security, especially during adverse weather conditions or when you are away from the house. Decide where you'd like to put the cat flap on your door. It must be put in a spot that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they leave 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. It should be in line with the measurement of your cat's belly to ensure that they will be able to pass through easily. You can also set steps on either side of the entrance to help your cat to get through. Once you have decided where you would like to put the flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with the pencil. This will help you decide the best place you will need to cut. Then, you'll need to cut out an area on the door using a Jigsaw. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask to keep your health safe from inhaling dust. After the square is cut, it is necessary to sand around the edges of the door to smooth the edges. Once you have completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap in your door. You should put the cat flap such 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 them into the hole. Then you can carefully place the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.