Installing a cat flap on a door allows your pet to go and come whenever it wants. Follow the steps below to learn how to mark the shape, cut it using a jigsaw/hole saw and install your cat's flap.
If your cat's flap has a Manual 4-Way lock, you can restrict access to wild animals or pests, as well as strays. It is also an excellent idea to have some pots of plants around for your cat to hide behind.
Placement
A cat flap can be used to keep animals from entering like rodents and cats. Some models can even be locked by the owner, allowing you to regulate your cat's movements. This is particularly useful when your cat is injured or sick or if you are away from home for extended time. This option is available with some varieties of multi-cat flaps which allow each cat to enter and leave the house independently.
The first step in installing a cat flap is to decide where to put it. It is ideal to put it an area that is easy for your cat to access and is near to the kitchen or living room. The location must not interfere with the integrity of the door or window and should be clear of obstructions, such as bushes or trees.
Mark the area with a drill and pencil once you have selected the ideal location. Make sure your marks are precise, and make sure that the hole you're making is the correct size for the flap. The instructions that come with the flap clearly indicate the size of drilling you need.
Always wear gloves or a piece of cloth while drilling to avoid injury and to prevent breathing through dust particles. Wearing dust masks is advised as breathing in dust particles can lead to a variety of health problems.
Insert the cat flap through the hole you just cut. It may take some time for your cat to get used to using it, but it will soon learn. It is a good idea to allow your cat to explore the new addition to their home by propping the flap open.
It is suggested to leave the flap open for a couple of days to allow your pet time to adjust to a new routine and become comfortable. This will let you verify all the fixings.
Measurements
When installing a cat flap, it is essential to make sure you do it right. If you do not then, your pet could struggle to use it, and more importantly, burglars could be able to gain entry into your home through the flap. To avoid this from happening, you should ensure that the flap for your pet is at the right height. You can do this by measuring the height of your cat's belly, and adding an extra inch or two as a security measure.
Once you have done this, mark the position of the cat flap screw holes on your door with the help of a pencil. If your kit does not include a template you can make a photocopy and use it as a guide. It is recommended to use the spirit level once more to ensure that the marking is straight.
When drilling into brick walls, it is important to take care not to harm pipes or electric cables (gas, water or waste) which may be in the area where you are planning to cut. Cutting into a brick wall without being careful could result in the instability of the structure and may result in leaks or weather damage to the exterior.
Installing a cat flap on an entryway with panels could require you to add an extra layer of security by installing an alarm for burglars near the doorway for your pet. This will notify you of any attempts at forcing access and discourage criminals.
A cat-themed sign on your door will alert intruders to the presence of cats. This will deter criminals and can also aid in retraining your pet to use the cat flap.
It is a good idea, once your cat flap has been installed, to introduce your pet to it by letting and closing the flap while in the house. This will help them get used to the sound the flap makes when it shuts and opens and help them learn how to navigate it.
Tools
When installing a cat flap it is essential to have the right tools on hand. This includes a tape measure, a quality pencil and a spirit level along with the specific cat flap's manual. These will guide you through the procedure of preparing the wall or door, and make sure that it's measured and ready to be installed. The first step is to clear the area of any obstacles that could hinder the process. Then, you'll be able to begin marking the flap's outline. Make sure that the outline is centered and straight to ensure an attractive and professional installation.
Once you've marked your lines, it's time to cut the opening for the cat flap. Cut along the lines that have been marked using a jigsaw or a hole saw. Be careful not to scratch the surface. Once the cutting is complete then sand the edges of the cat flap opening to ensure they are smooth and free from any roughness or protrusions that could hinder its operation.
It is a good idea to examine the area around the flap often for signs of unauthorized entry or exit. This can help you to stop intruders from entering your home early, and prevent them from gaining entry into your home. You can use a variety of repellents to stop unintentional entry, such as pet-safe sprays and ultrasonic devices. These methods are not intrusive and will not harm your pet or the environment. They guarantee that they are always safe and secure.
Make a note of the screw holes on the cat flap frame on a wooden door using the frame. The cat flap should be placed in a way that it opens to the outside and is secured inside by the lock, if it includes one. Using a pencil, mark the location where each of the screw holes are situated. Take the frame off of the cat flap and drill each of the markings to create a hole the screws included with your model of cat flap. Then put the flap in place and cover the screw holes with plugs that are blank to create a neat finish.
Materials
The addition of a cat flap your home is a simple method to allow your cat the freedom they need. It lets them leave and come whenever they want, without worrying about them being locked in their home or letting other cats in. In addition it allows you to control the frequency at which they use the litter box, which will reduce the amount of waste stuck in your home.
It's important that you have the right tools and materials prior to beginning to install the new cat flap. Make sure that you have the right size of drill, pencil and screwdriver along with measuring tape and a ruler. You should also wear safety glasses to shield your ears and eyes.
Mark the location on your wall or door where you want to install a cat flap. Double-check the measurements and ensure the area is free of pipes and electrical wires. Avoid cutting into brick walls if your aren't experienced in masonry work. Doing so could lead to instability of the wall and damage to cables or pipework.
Then, you'll need to determine the height your cat has to be in order to access and exit the flap. This will be based on the measurement of their stomach. Using this information, mark a horizontal line on the door where you want the cat flap to sit. Once you've marked the door you want, you can begin cutting.
It's a good idea apply a small amount of silicone or a weatherproof sealing agent to the edge of the hole after the cutout has been made. This will stop moisture and drafts from entering your home. If you're using doors made of composite it's best to speak with the manufacturer prior to making any alterations to their structure, since making changes could void your warranty and cause damage to the weathertight seal on your home.
Once your cat is comfortable using the flap it's a good idea to teach them to push the flap, not pull on it to go in and exit. a fantastic read will avoid them getting trapped and needing to be saved by you in the future.