Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have a new kitten that require a thorough screening, there are plenty of options out there for you.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, inside an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside if they are chased by another animal or humans who want to harm them.

You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This could affect the method of cutting holes, and what you fix to.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended to seek out a glazier that is skilled in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're installing the flap in a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the right height on the door or window and that it is large enough for him to get in and out easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy that could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm.

Make sure you measure your door or window

The name implies this kind of cat flap is made to be attached to an opening and provide a way for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat can't simply traverse through the door from outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat flap and these are easy enough to put in, but click here they are usually set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is not high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to help the animal reach it.

A cat flap can also be fitted into a brick wall but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If there are, then an opening must be created for them and this is something here that you should always seek professional advice on. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and each one comes with different features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular, while others are here square or circular. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fixing it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will utilize. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in too.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are happy with here the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Prepare the Tools

It's essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, drill, read more file and a jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, as this may invalidate the warranty or break the weathertight seal. In this instance you'll likely need to fit an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap using a jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark out the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant you require to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry it is time to install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can complete themselves, although you may need to hire an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark the places in which you will must drill using pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a low cost.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.