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Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires additional security or you have kittens who need to be vetted. Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. The key is preparation, planning and accuracy. Select the Right Door, or Windows There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet going out or coming in) and others with high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about the ease of your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and fit one. Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to situate the cat flap near a window or door that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to return inside if they are pursued by a pet or human beings who wish to harm them. It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut and the material you're fixing it to. To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, you should introduce your cat to it at first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape. Measure Your Cat's Belly In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat. This will enable you to ensure that your cat flap is at the correct height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to enter and out easily. To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline circus skills. You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm. Take a measurement of your door or window As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers an opportunity for your pet to enter or leave at any time it wishes. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat won't be able to simply traverse through the door from outside. A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they are usually placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it. Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your house. Select the Right Cat Flap There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture. There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Cat flaps can be found in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap is determined by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on. Finally consider the mechanism to open your cat flap will have. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it won't stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in as well. Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws. Prepare the Tools As with all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools for the job. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure along with a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window. Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this case, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead. You'll need a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll need. After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the window or door to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your new cat-flap! Install the Flap The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete themselves, although you may require the help of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door. Start by looking at the instructions that come with the flap to locate the drawing template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap need to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using the pencil. After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the Jigsaw. If cat flap installer near me worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost. Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer part of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can get in and out of it.