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Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten that need to be vetted there are plenty of options there to choose from. It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with proper instructions, it's simple. More methods , planning and precision are the key to success. Choose the Right Door or Windows There are a variety of cat flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with advanced features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one. It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them. It is possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it's not the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and the materials you're fixing them 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 installing the flap in the door made of wood, 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. Find out the size of your cat's belly You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big enough to allow them to enter and out easily. Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads which could be visible on their lower back, face, and limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for. You can also use the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised. Make sure you measure your window or door As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into a door and provides an opportunity for your pet to go in or out as it pleases. These flaps are constructed of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside. Cat flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it. A cat flap could also be fitted into a brick wall, however it is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren't any cables and pipes in the wall prior to you begin. If there are, then an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting through the walls of your home. Choose the right cat flap There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals to block water and drafts. There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you want to attach it to. Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one choice and is typically the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts through as well. It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws. Prepare the Tools It's essential to have the right tools when doing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the kind of window or door. Contact the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become broken. In this scenario, you'll probably require an additional 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 directions given by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to determine the size of hole you require. After you have cut the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to block the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your cat flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However, if you want to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert. Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of where holes need to be made for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will have to drill using pencil. After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the saw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost. Then, attach the outer part to the hole of your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten the bolts all together. You must test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.