![<?php echo $store[store_name]; ?> flag](https://media.surepetcare.com/website/images/homepage_tiles/shopping-cart.png)
5 steps to a successful cat flap installation
12th September 2018
Installing a cat flap? Take a look at our five top tips to help you complete the installation successfully.
1. Programme your cat flap before installation
If you have a SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap, programme your cat’s microchip or RFID collar tag into the cat flap prior to installation. This is to ensure that you don’t accidentally programme the neighbour’s cat in after it has been installed!
2. Consider where to install the cat flap
Cat flaps can be installed in doors, windows and walls, giving plenty of flexibility when it comes to the installation location. It’s best to situate the cat flap in a place that opens out onto a sheltered area of your garden. Cats like to feel secure when they come into and go out of the house. If the structure of your house prevents this, make the exterior of the cat flap more secure by positioning plant pots or benches close by for your cat to hide behind.
3. Cat flap height
Measure your cat’s belly to the floor. This is the ideal height to install the cat flap. If you need to install the cat flap higher, consider placing steps either side to help your cat to get in and out more easily.
4. Choose a warm day
Installing a cat flap when the weather is fine will not only make the experience more pleasant for you, it will also make it easier for your cat to learn to use their new cat flap if they need time to adjust. Once the cat flap is installed you may need to prop it open for a while to help your cat to get used to using it. Summer is the ideal time to do this so that your house doesn’t get cold in the process. Your cat also might be more inclined to use their new cat flap if it’s sunny outside. If your cat doesn’t take to their new cat flap straight away, our cat flap training tips may help.
5. Ask the professionals
To install a cat flap in a door should only require the use of a drill and a jigsaw, but if you haven’t done much DIY, or you want to install the cat flap in glass or in a wall, you may need to call in the professionals. We have a number of recommended fitters on our website that you can contact for help.
