Installing a cat flap your home is a great option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is getting older and requires extra security, or you have kittens that need to be examined.

It can be intimidating for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with right instructions it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and precision.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features like microchip door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to harm them.

You can install an egress flap inside the case of a upvc door panels with cat flap door or glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them to.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier prior to installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

To install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's large enough for them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternatively, you can also make use of your pet's weight to gauge how big an opening you need. If your cat weighs at or over 5kg, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into an opening and provide a way for your pet to leave or enter as it pleases. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door. They come with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. They are available with locking options that offer added security, which means that your cat can't traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, you can use steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

Cat flaps can be incorporated to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. If they are, an opening must be created for them and this is something you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask can ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some cat flap install flaps have security features such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or animals to enter the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you select will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Lastly consider the mechanism for opening your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

Once you have selected the correct cat flap and measured your window or door, it's time to fit it. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is not too low and is straight on the door. Use your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, you can use your saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

As with all DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll require the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door.

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be broken. In this instance it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap using the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you require.

After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. It's a simple procedure that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you will likely require the assistance of a professional if you are installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of upvc door panel with cat flap fitted door.

Begin by reading the instructions included with your cat flap to find the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you will need to drill in using pencil.

After you've marked the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. This is a relatively simple task however, you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the flap onto the door's hole. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. The outer part of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.