Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's set up so they can get used to the size and shape. Open the flap and let your cat explore it from every angle.
Make sure the cutout is square and even. Mark the screw holes on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - 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. It will allow your pet to move from the inside to the outside, without needing to let them in or leave. It will also stop them from fighting over the litter box and cat food, or even the door to the house itself.
Set up the area in which you'll install your cat flap prior to begin. It will be much easier to work in the event that you remove any obstacles. You will also want to take out any furniture or decorations that might get in the way of your work.
In preparing the area, you will need to take measurements and mark the location where you intend to put the cat flap. This will allow you to avoid making an error that could damage your wall or door. You will want to put the cat flap in a spot that is accessible to your cats, but won't affect the structural integrity of your home.
The cat flap can be put in a door that leads to a closed space such as your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from attempting to jump over it, and allow you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. Also, make sure that the cat flap is not too low to be used by your smallest cat, as taller cats will struggle leaping through a flap that is higher.
If you have sliding patio doors or an old style windows with sash, it might be an ideal idea to employ an experienced handyman to do the job. It can be a challenge to install the cat flap on these windows and doors and any mistakes can cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without causing damage to the structure of the window or door's strength.
You'll need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the area for the flap. This will enable you to accurately cut the flap's opening. Once you have the line marked with a spirit-level, use it to make sure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions included in the cat flap kit to locate the template. Attach the template to your door, so that the bottom edge of the template is with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be centered at the middle of the door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as pet doors is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that permits a pet to leave and enter the house. You can pick from a range of sizes and materials to find the best one for your pet.
It's important that you measure your windows or doors before you buy a new cat flap. This way you can ensure that the hole will to be the right size and that the cat flap will fit. You can use this technique to measure the width of the opening by cutting off a section of it 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 could struggle to get through. If it is too high, they might not be capable of using the flap.
Generally, you should drill your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will provide the most secure and stable fixings for the installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit didn't include a spirit level, a straight edge can be used instead.
When you are installing the cat flap to a glass or UPVC window or door, it's best to hire an experienced glazier to complete this for you. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could weaken their integrity and cause them to shatter. This could be an security risk to your home.
It can also be difficult to install a cat flap in brick walls, as drilling into a soft section of the wall could cause issues for pipes and cables running through the property. This can lead expensive repairs or leaks, or even weather damage from outside.
Marking
Mark the hole where you need it after measuring your cat's size. Mark the centre of the flap using a spirit level. If the template you've chosen for your cat flap kit doesn't include a centre line, photocopy it and draw around it using pencil to mark the area where the hole must be cut.
Be aware that if the cat flap is too low, it could make it difficult for your cat to go in and out of your house, and if it's too high, they could be unable to see what's happening outside. To ensure that your cat feels at ease and secure it is best to put the flap as close as you can to their stomach.
Also, you should be cautious not to place a cat flap too close to the frame of a wall that is solid as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts, and stability. If you're not experienced in masonry work it's beneficial to seek professional assistance.
Next, prop open the door and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It is helpful if someone is nearby to encourage them). Once they've made it through, you can start letting them in and out as you want.
It's important that you don't allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry because this could result in them getting scared. They could be injured by the clunk and snap as it closes, and be even more terrified if their tail gets caught in it as they try to exit. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders, so leaving the door open could be risky. Your pet could be attacked by a cat they know. Installing a small cat door is best when your cat or kitten knows how to use it.
Installation
Once the flap is set, it is important to show your cat how to use it. It will take some time, but with patience and a few treats to entice them to learn, they will eventually get grasp of it. It is also possible to put a lock on the flap for extra security, especially in harsh weather conditions or when out of the house.
The first thing to do is decide where you would like to put the cat flap on your door. cat flap bifold doors will need to be placed in a location that opens into a sheltered part of your garden. This will make your cat feel secure as they leave and enter the home and will also prevent other animals from entering your home.
Another thing to consider is the height you'd like to set the cat flap at. It should be in line to your cat's measurement of stomach to ensure that they can traverse through. You can also consider placing steps either side of the door, to help your cat get through it more easily.
Once you've decided where you would like to place the cat flap Measure the door and mark it with a pencil. This will allow you to determine where to cut. The next step is to cut a square out of the door using the Jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask when doing this, since breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After the square has been cut, sand the edges of the door. This will give a smooth edge.
Once you've completed sanding, you can now replace the cat flap inside your door. The flap must be put in a position where the lock, if there is one, is located on the inside of the door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill these into place. Then carefully insert the flap into the hole. Make sure it fits snugly.