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Getting a cat flap fitted inside your home can be a major step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check there are a lot of options there to choose from. It can be intimidating for people who aren't experts in installing the cat flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success. Select the Right Door or Windows There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to consider how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you buy and install one. Depending on the style of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when entering and leaving the home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by humans intent to hurt them. It is possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix into. To avoid costly mistakes It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're fitting the flap to an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape. Find out the size of your cat's belly In order to put in an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that your cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to get in and leave easily. Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads – these could be visible on their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially 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 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm. Measure Your Door or Window Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides a way for your pet to enter or leave whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside. Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they need to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it. It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can help you avoid inhaling the dust that is generated when cutting through your walls. Select the Right Cat Flap There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition which prevent unauthorised entry. They also keep your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out the elements of moisture and draughts. There's also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you intend to install it on. The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the cheapest. It will not stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in drafts. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws. Prepare the Tools Like all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. You'll require the cat flap along with a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door. Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this instance it's likely you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass. For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an outline to help identify the dimensions of the hole you have to cut. After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop the possibility of water damage and rust. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to move around as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete themselves, although you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door. Start by looking at the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with pencil. After you have marked the door on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Many companies will do this work for you for a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself. The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. You may need to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it stays watertight and weather resistant. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.