Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner There are numerous options for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be checked Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's easy to complete Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success Choose the Right Door or Windows There are a wide variety of cat flaps to choose from, some with locks which can be used to prevent your pet going out or entering and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems It is important to think about how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in the form of a window that opens to a garden that is sheltered This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home If you can it will also provide them a route back in should they be pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them It's possible to put the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one into a wood door This is because uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them into To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by the cat with it before you fit it so that they can become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles Find out the size of your cat's belly To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is at the correct height on the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to get in and leave easily Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back, face or legs The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you require If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm Measure your door or window This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with an open door that opens by pushing lightly on either side There are locking versions of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside Cat flaps are also often employed in windows They can be easily installed, but they need to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them If the window is too high to use a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it It is possible to insert a cat flap into brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in masonry This could cause the wall to weaken It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start If there are, then a hole needs to be made for them This is something 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 into your home's walls Choose the right cat flap There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the house Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to keep out the elements of moisture and draughts There are also different sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are circular or square Choosing the right type of cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door It will not stop other cats and pets from entering, and you could also be letting in draughts It's time to put in your cat flap Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low Utilize https//wwwrepairmywindowsanddoorscouk/eastleigh-cat-flap-installer-near-me/ to draw a template for the flap for cats Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the door's outline Once you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws Prepare the Tools It's essential to have the right tools for performing any DIY project The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, file, and a Jigsaw depending on your window or door type Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged In this instance you'll need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door Follow the directions given by the manufacturer Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you need After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the near future It is also recommended to seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block rain and wind Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap Install the Flap Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it pleases Most people can put in the flap on their own However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional Begin by reading the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap need to be drilled in the door Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap This is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a very low cost Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door You may need to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant You can then place the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily