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Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens who require a vet check there are plenty of options out there for you. Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to accomplish. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the most important factors. Select the Right Door, or Windows There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one. It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in a window that opens into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible it will also provide them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent to harm them. It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in various thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it to. If you're installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap onto a wooden door you must introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape. Take a look at your cat's belly measurement You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your window or door and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease. To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics. You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm. Measure your door or window This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. These flaps are constructed of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside. Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to access them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap, then ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to assist the animal get access to it. It is possible to install the cat flap onto a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If there are, then 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 inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting holes in your home's walls. Select the Cat Flap that is Right for You. There are numerous cat flaps on the market and each one comes with various features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry. They also stop your pet from letting guests or another animal into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There is also a choice of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. The kind 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, think about the mechanism for opening your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts. cat flap double glazing to install your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly's height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws. Make the Tools Like all DIY tasks, it's best to have the right tools to complete the task. The main things you'll need are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a decent pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and an jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors). If you're installing in a composite door, you should check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass. For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to identify the size of the hole you will need to cut. After you've cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your window or door and the side of the flap to block wind and rain. When the sealant has dried and dry, you can install your new cat flap! Install the Flap Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap on their own. However, if you want to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert. Look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes for the flap need to be made in the door. Mark the areas that you'll must drill using the pencil. After you've marked the door's area and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll have to be comfortable using the jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a low cost. Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts' tops and then tightened together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it is working correctly and allows them to enter and exit easily.