Introduce your cat to the flap prior to when it's put in place so that they be familiar with 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 on the door and align them with the opening of the cat flap - the distance between the edges must be equal.
Preparation
Installing a cat flap at home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it allows them to freely move between the indoors and outdoors without you needing to allow them to enter or exit. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the entrance to the home.
The first thing that you must do prior to beginning the installation of your cat flap is prepare the area where it will be placed. This is because removing obstacles from the area will help you to work. Also, you should remove any furniture and decorations that might hinder your installation.
When you are preparing the space it is important to take measurements and mark the location where you are planning to install the cat flap. This will stop you from making a mistake that could cause damage to your door or wall. Ideally, you will want to put the cat flap in a place that is easily accessible to your cats but that won't harm the strength of the structure of your home.
The best location to place the cat flap is in the doorway leading to an enclosed space, such as your closet or laundry room. This will stop your cat from being able to jump over it and will allow you to keep your cats from any potential dangers. It is also important to ensure that the cat flap is low enough to be used by your smallest cat, as taller cats will struggle leaping through a higher-height flap.
If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be best to employ an expert handyman for 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 without damaging the structure of the window or door's strength.
You will need to measure the height of your cat's belly from the ground in order to mark the flap's location. This will allow you to precisely cut the opening for the flap. Once you've marked the line using a spirit level, you can use it to make sure it is perfectly horizontal. Then, go through the directions that came with your cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of your door.
Measurement
A cat flap sometimes known as a pet door is a small opening in the bottom of your exterior doors or windows that permits a pet to go inside and out of the home. You can choose from a range of sizes and materials to find the perfect one for you and your pets.
Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to accurately measure the dimensions of your doors or window where you intend to install it. This way, you will be able to ensure 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 cutting off a portion and walking through it with your pet.
It's also recommended to determine the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest part of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is set at a level that your cats are comfortable using. 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 in any way.
In general, you should try to create your holes at an angle of 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most stable and secure installation of your cat flap. If your cat flap kit did not come with a spirit level, a straight edge can be used instead.
It is recommended to have an experienced glazier install the cat flap in a UPVC or glass door or window. This is due to the fact that these types of doors are typically toughened and drilling into them may damage the integrity of the glass and could cause it to shatter in the future, which could pose a security risk for your home.
Placing a cat flap in the brick wall could be a problem, too, since when you drill into a soft section of the wall this can create problems for pipes and cables that run through the property. This could lead to costly repairs or leaks, or even weather damage caused by outside.
cat flap installation near me where you need it after measuring your cat's size. Mark the center of the flap using your spirit level. If the template you have for the cat flap kit does not include a centreline, you can photocopy it. Then use the pencil to trace around the template to indicate the location where the hole will be cut.
If the flap for your cat is placed too low, your cat may have difficulty getting into and out. Likewise, should you put it too high, your cat might not be able see what's happening outside. To ensure your cat feels at ease and secure it is recommended to position the flap as close as possible to their belly.
It is also important to be aware not to put a cat flap in 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 familiar with masonry work, it might be worth seeking professional help.
Then you need to prop the door open and show your cat or kitten where to go. (It helps if someone is inside, helping them). Once they've done it you can let them go in and out as you want.
It's crucial to not allow your kitten or cat to go through the flap in a hurry as this can lead to them getting scared. They can easily become injured by the clunk or snap as it closes, and they could be scared if their tail is stuck in the flap as they try to exit. Cats also return home to look for intruders, and leaving the door open is risky. Your cat could be attacked by another cat they know. Installing the door for your cat is best if your kitten or cat knows how to use it.
Installation
It is crucial to teach your cat how to use the flap once it's installed. It will take some time however, with patience and a few treats to entice them, they will eventually get the habit of it. Install a lock to the cat flap if your pet needs additional security, especially in bad weather or when you're away from home.
The first thing to determine where you want to put the cat flap in your door. It should be located in a place that can open up to an area that is protected from the elements of your garden. This will make your cat feel more secure as they go into and out of the home, and will also help keep other animals out of your home.
Also, you should take into consideration the height of the flap. This should be in accordance with the measurement of your cat's stomach to ensure that they are able to pass through. You can also set steps either side of the entrance to assist your cat get through.
Once you've chosen the location you would like to put the cat flap take a measurement of the door and mark it with a pencil. This will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you'll need to cut a square on the door using an jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a mask for dust protection while working on this, as inhaling dust could be hazardous to your health. After cutting the square, it is necessary to sand around the edges of the door to smooth the edges.
After you've finished sanding your door, it is time to can replace the cat flap. It is recommended to put the cat flap inside so that the lock (if there is one) is positioned on the inside of the door. Make the screw holes, if there are any on the door. Then, carefully insert the cat flap in the hole. Make sure it fits perfectly.