Getting a cat flap fitted in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is old and requires extra security or you have kittens who need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others that have high-tech 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 before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your house It is recommended to put the cat flap near a window or door that opens to an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. If you can this will also allow them a route back in case they are pursued by a different cat or by a human intent to harm them.

It is possible to install a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in the door made of wood. This is because uPVC or cat flap composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the how much to install a cat flap holes are cut and what you fix to.

If you're installing the flap in a glass door it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior cat flap to fitting it, so that they become familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat flap installer's belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the door or window and that it's big enough for him to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy - these may be visible around their lower back, face, and legs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Take a measurement of your door or window

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers the pet with a way to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are typically made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat won't be able to simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, however they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust-proof mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting through the walls of your house.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flap installers near me flaps on the market, and they all offer different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition that prevent unauthorized entry and also stop your pet allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap installers near me flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. But, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in as well.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line is not too low and is in line with the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll need the cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind 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 broken. In this instance you'll need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you'll need.

After you have cut the hole, you will have to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it pleases. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish on their own, but you'll likely need to hire an expert for installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another kind of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill into using a pencil.

Once you have marked out the door's area then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the cat flap double glazing flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with a jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the hole in your door. It is possible to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.