Do you have a new cat or a cat who loves adventure and the outdoors, but wants to get back inside easily? Consider installing a cat flap to prevent the cat from waking you up during the night with its meows. There are several types of cat flaps on the market. They are all installed in a very similar way. This article uses a standard, resealable cat flap as an example.
Steps
Step 1. Purchase a cat flap and assemble the items you need
Step 2. Measure your cat
To ensure that the cat can come and go with ease, place the cat flap 10-15cm from the floor. This is the average height of a cat's belly.
Mark this height with a pencil in two points, in order to ensure a straight line
Step 3. Place the cat flap
As usually happens, you can choose to mount the cat flap in the middle of the door. If so, use the tape measure to mark the center of the door and make a mark at this point. Using a ruler, draw a straight horizontal line through the point you marked.
Step 4. Attach the template (template)
The cat flaps are sold with a paper template that indicates where to drill.
Position the lower part of the template in correspondence with the points previously marked with the pencil. Make sure the center point of the template is in line with the center point of the door. Use masking tape to stick the template in this position
Step 5. Choose a drill bit
You need to use a flat tip that is slightly wider than the saw blade for piercing. The instructions may suggest the width you need. Before using the drill, remember the safety rules for using the drill - See the Tips below.
Step 6. Drill the holes
Drill a hole in each corner of the template. The position of these holes will be clearly indicated on the template. Once the holes are made, these will allow you to cut out the shape of the cat flap with the piercing saw.
Remove the template and remove the sawdust and other debris
Step 7. Trace the opening
Using a ruler and pencil, draw four lines connecting the holes and draw the outline of the cat flap.
Step 8. Saw along the lines
For regular sawing, make sure the door is closed. First is to take the saw, remember that its use has its risks, so respect the safety rules for using the saw indicated in the Tips below. Now use the saw to cut along the outline marked with the pencil, moving from one hole to the next.
Step 9. Put the hole in place
After turning off the saw, push the wood away by opening the hole.
You need to smooth its edges with a piece of sandpaper. Remove excess sawdust and continue until sanding is adequate
Step 10. Test the measurement
Place the front of the cat flap over the hole and check that the door moves in and out with ease.
Step 11. Mark the screw holes
With the front of the cat flap in place, make a mark through each of the screw holes located in the four corners of the cat flap.
Step 12. Choose a drill bit
To drill the pilot holes, choose a bit that is slightly narrower than the screws and insert it into the drill. Remember the safety rules for using the drill.
Step 13. Drill the screw holes
Drill through each of the four pencil marks until you reach the other side of the door.
Step 14. Screw together
Now it's time to join the two sides of the cat flap together. Hold the front of the cat flap in place and gently screw in the four screws.
- Open the door. Take the back of the cat flap and place it over the protruding screws.
- Arranged so that you can screw the nuts for the screws. Gently hold a nut on a screw. This will be laborious. Hold the nut firmly with one hand and, with the other hand, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws. When the nut is tight, repeat this process with the other three screws.
Step 15. Check.
Test the cat flap to make sure it works. Show it to the cat and start encouraging him to use it!
Advice
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Use the drill safely:
- Put on your glasses.
- Make sure you don't have loose clothing and hair that can get entangled.
- Free the area of any potential hazards and find a stable standing position.
- Know that other animals (hedgehogs, weasels, etc.) may discover the cat flap and decide to visit the interior of your home.
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Use the saw safely:
- Be sure to wear protective eyewear and clear the area of potential hazards.
- Find a stable standing position and remember to check your fingers when you start sawing.
Warnings
- Small children can crawl out of the house through the cat flap.
- Wild animals could enter the house if the door on which the cat flap is installed leads directly into the house. Some prefer to install the cat flap on the garage door where you can set up a litter box or where cats can find refuge.
