Installing a cat flap on a door allows your pet to come and go when it wants. Follow the steps below to discover how to draw the shape, cut it with a jigsaw/hole saw and install your cat's flap.
If your cat's flap has a manual 4-Way lock you can limit access to wild animals, pests and strays. It's also a good idea to keep some plant pots around for your cat to hide behind.
Placement
A cat flap can be used to keep unwanted animals out such as rodents or cats. Certain models let you secure them, so that you can control your cat's movements. This is especially helpful if your cat is sick or injured or if you are away from home for extended durations. This option is available with some types of multi-cat flaps, allowing each cat to enter and leave the house in a separate manner.
The first step to install a cat door is to decide the location it will be. Ideally, it should be somewhere that is easy for your cat to reach and is within the kitchen or living area. The place should not compromise the integrity of either the window or door and should be free of obstructions, such as bushes or trees.
Once the best location has been chosen it is time to mark the area using a pencil and a drill. Be sure to mark the area accurately and ensure that the hole that you are drilling is the proper size for the flap. The instructions included with the cat flap should state clearly what size drilling is required.
Always wear gloves or a rag when drilling to avoid injuries and to prevent breathing in dust particles. It is recommended to wear a dust protection mask as breathing in these particles can cause a range of health issues.
Inject the cat flap into the hole that you just made. It may take a while to get your cat used to it, but he will eventually learn. Until then, it is a good idea to prop the flap open so that your cat can explore the new addition to their home.
It is recommended that you leave the cat flap open for several weeks so that your pet can adjust to the new routine and help them become accustomed to it. This will let you check all the fixings.
Measurements
When installing a cat flap, it's essential to do so properly. If you don't, your cat may be unable to use it and, worse still burglars may gain access to your home through the cat flap. To prevent this from happening, make sure that your pet flap is installed at the correct height. This can be achieved by taking measurements of your cat's belly and adding a couple of inches to make sure it is safe.
After you've completed this, mark the location of the screw for the cat flap holes on your door with a pencil. If your kit does not include a template, you could create a photocopy and use it as a template. You can also use the spirit level to check that the markings are straight.
It is important to be careful when drilling into brick walls to avoid damaging cables or pipes (gas water, electricity or waste) located near the area where you intend to drill. When drilling into brick walls without care could cause instability to the structure, and also cause leaks and damage on the exterior.
Installing a cat's flap in an entryway with panels could require you to add an extra layer of protection by putting an alarm for burglars next to the entrance for your pet. This will notify you of any attempts to force access and discourage criminals.
It's also a great idea to add a cat sign to your door, as this will alert intruders that there is a cat living in the home. This can stop criminals from entering your home, and could also be an effective tool for re-training your pet to use the cat's enclosure.
Once your cat flap is installed, it is recommended to get your pet used to it by opening and closing the flap in their presence while they are inside the house. This will make them more accustomed to the sound the flap makes when it opens and shuts and aid them in learning how to navigate it.
Tools
It's important to be prepared with the appropriate tools prior to installing the cat door. Included in this list should be a tape measuring tool, a quality pencil along with a spirit level and the instruction manual for your cat flap. These will assist you in the preparation of the door or wall to ensure that it's well-measured and ready for installation. First, eliminate any obstructions that might hinder the installation process. Then, it's time to begin sketching out the outline for the flap. To ensure an expert installation, ensure that this is properly aligned.
Once you've marked the lines, it's now time to cut the opening for the cat flap. Use a jigsaw or hole saw to cut according to the lines that have been drawn out making sure not to scratch the surface around it. After cutting off, sand the edges of the opening up to the cat flap to ensure they are smooth.
It is a good idea to check the area around your cat's flap often for signs of unauthorized entry or exit. This can help you catch intruders early, preventing them from entering your home. There are a myriad of deterrent measures that can be employed to prevent unwanted access including pet-safe sprays, to ultrasonic devices. These methods are non-intrusive and do not harm the environment or your pets, ensuring that they are safe and secure at all times.
Find the screw holes for the cat flap frame on a wood door with the frame. The cat flap should be placed in a way that it opens to the outside and is secured by the lock, if the model includes one. Mark the location of each screw using pencil. Remove the cat flap, and drill each mark to create a screw hole. Attach the flap to its place and cover the screwholes with blanking plugs to give it a neat look.
Materials
A cat flap to your home will give your feline companion all the freedom they need. It lets them go and come when they desire without worrying about being locked inside or letting in other cats. It will also allow you to control the frequency they use the litterbox, which will reduce the amount waste that is kept in your home.
Before starting to install a cat flap, it's important to gather the right materials and tools. Make sure you have the right size of a pencil, drill and screwdriver as well as a measuring tape and an appropriate ruler. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk should also have safety goggles to protect your eyes and ears.
The first step to install the cat flap is to mark the location on your door or wall the location you'd like it to be. Make sure you've got the right measurements and ensure that the area is clear of electrical and plumbing wires. It's also a good idea not to cut into brick walls, particularly if you aren't experienced with masonry work. The wall could to become unstable and damage cables or pipes.
You'll then need to measure the height your cat has to be to enter and exit the flap. This is based on the measurement of their belly. Using this information, mark an horizontal line on the door where you'd like the flap to rest. Once you've marked the door, it's time to begin cutting.
It's a good idea to apply a small amount of silicone or weatherproof sealing agent around the edge of the hole once the cutout has been made. This will keep drafts and moisture from entering your home. Contact the manufacturer if are using a composite-type door before making any changes to its construction. This could invalidate the warranty and cause the weathertight seal to break on your home.
Once your cat is used to the flap, it's an excellent idea to teach them to push the flap rather than pulling on it to go in and exit. This will prevent them from becoming trapped and having to be assisted by you in the future.