How to Install a Cat Flap
Introduce your cat to the flap before it's installed so they can get used to the size and shape. The flap should be opened and let your cat explore it from every angle. Make sure the cut-out is level and ensure that the cut-out is square and even. Mark the screw holes and align them with the cat flap opening. The distance between the edges should be the same. Preparation Installing a cat flap in your home is beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet. This is because it will allow them to freely move between the indoors and outdoors without needing to allow them to enter or exit. It can also prevent them from fighting over cat food, litter boxes or the door to the home. The first thing that you'll need to do prior to beginning your cat flap install is prepare the area where it will be placed. This is because eliminating any obstructions from the area will help you to work. You will also want to remove any furniture or decorations that might hinder your work. In preparing the area you must determine the exact location and measurement you intend to put the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake which could damage your door or wall. Ideally, you will want to place the cat flap somewhere that is easy for your cat, yet doesn't compromise the strength of the structure of your home. A good place to put the cat flap is in an entrance that leads to an enclosed space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop your cat from soaring over it and you can protect your cat from dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for your cat's smallest to access, as larger cats may have difficulty to leap through a flap that is higher. If you have sliding patio doors or an old style sash window, it might be a good idea to employ an expert handyman for the task. It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on these doors and windows and a mistake could cause costly damage. A professional can install the cat flap without damaging the door or window's structural strength. To determine the space to place the cat flap, you will need to use a ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to accurately cut the flap's opening. Once you've marked the line, use a spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. Review the instructions that came with your cat flap kit for the template drawing. Attach it to your door in a way that the bottom edge of the template coincides with the horizontal line you have drawn and is aligned with the centre point of the door. Measurement A cat flap, also known as a dog door is a small hole at the bottom of external doors or windows. It allows pets to get in and out of the house. You can pick from a variety sizes and materials to find the right one for your pet and you. Before you purchase an animal flap, you need to measure precisely the size of your doors or window where you intend to install it. You will then be able to ensure that the cat flap you purchase will fit and the hole is the right size. One method is to block off a portion of the door, and then try to walk through with your pet. This will give you an accurate idea of the opening size (width). It's also advisable to measure the height of your cat from the ground up to the lowest point of their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at a height your cats are comfortable with. If it is too low, they may struggle to get through. If it's too high, they may not be able to use the flap. In general, you should aim to make your holes at 45 degrees to the vertical surface. This will ensure the most secure and stable installation of your cat flap. The best option is to utilize a spirit level to assist you with this but if the instructions that came with your cat flap kit don't have this then a straight edge will do the same job. 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 cause them to shatter. This could be the risk of security for your home. Placing a cat flap in brick walls can be problematic too, as if you drill into a soft area of the wall, this could create problems for cables and pipes that run through the property. This could result in costly repairs, or even leaks and weather damage from the outside. Marking After you've measured your cat kitten to find the right size flap for them then you need to mark where the hole should go. Utilizing your spirit level to make sure it runs in line with the door, then mark the centre point. If the template for the cat flap kit doesn't include the centreline, you can photocopy it. Then, you can use a pencil to draw around the template to indicate where the hole should be cut. Remember, if the cat flap is too low, it will be difficult for your cat to climb into and out of the home, and if it's too high, they may struggle to see what is going on outside. It is recommended to get it as close to your cat's belly height as you can to give them the greatest comfort and security. Also, you should be aware not to put a cat flap in too close to the frame of a solid wall as it can lead to problems with damp, draughts and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you're not familiar with the masonry. Then, prop the door open and then encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by showing them where to go (it is helpful if someone else is on the inside to help them). Once they've made it through, you can start letting them go in and out as you want. It's important that you don't force your cat or kitten through the flap too fast because this could result in them becoming scared. They could easily be injured by the clunk and snap when it closes, and they could be terrified if their tail gets caught in it when they attempt to get out. Cats also have a habit of returning home to check for intruders so having the door open at this time can also be a concern as it can lead to your pet being attacked by a cat that they know. Installing the door for your cat is best when your cat or kitten is able to use it. Installation It is important to show your cat how to use the cat flap once it's been installed. It may take some time however, 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, especially in the event of bad weather or you're away from home. The first thing to do is decide where you would like to place the cat flap on your door. It must be located in a place that opens out into 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 stop other animals from entering your home. You should also be aware of the height of your flap. This should be in line with your cat's stomach measurement to ensure that they are able to pass through. It is also possible to put steps either side of the door to help your cat move through it more easily. Once you've determined where you'd like to put the cat flap, you can measure the door with a pencil and mark the spot. cat flap installer near me Repair My Windows And Doors will provide you with a guide for the best place to cut. Then, you will need to cut out an area around the door with an jigsaw. It is advisable to wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working on this, as breathing in dust can be dangerous to your health. After cutting the square, it is necessary to smooth the edges of the door to create smooth edges. After you have finished the sanding process, you can replace the cat flap. The flap must be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of your door. If there are screw holes for the cat flap on the door, you must now drill these into place. You should then carefully place the cat flap into the hole, making sure it fits snugly.