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Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.

It can be difficult for those who aren’t professionals to put in a cat flap, but with right instructions it’s easy. Planning, preparation and precision are the keys.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in, while others have advanced features like microchips for door entry system. It is important to think about how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the design of your house, it’s generally best to put the cat flap in an opening or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat will feel secure entering and leaving the home. This will also enable them to go back inside if they are chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them.

It is possible to install a cat flap in the case of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it’s not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors come in different thicknesses, and this can impact how holes are cut and what you’re fixing into.

If you’re installing the flap inside the glass of a door, it’s recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in such work to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re installing the flap to a wooden door you must introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Measure 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 help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it’s large enough for them to enter and out easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the legs. The padding provides your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

Alternately, you could use your pet’s weight to gauge how big an opening you’ll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested flap size is 14x12cm.

Measure Your Door or Window

Like the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be fixed into the door, and offers a way for your pet to go in or out whenever it wants. cat flap installation cost near me are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. These flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security so that your cat is not able to traverse the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They can be easily installed, however they have to be set at an elevated level since cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, then steps, ramps or purpose built stairs can be utilized to help the animal access it.

Cat flaps can be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there aren’t any cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. If there are, an opening must be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will help you avoid inhaling the sawdust created when you cut into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are a variety of cat flaps on the market and they all have different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as magnetic locks or microchips which prevent unauthorised entry. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts.

There’s also a variety of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you’re fixing it to.

Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. But, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door, it’s time to fit it. Start by marking the belly’s height on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using a saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you’re happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

It’s essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you’ll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an Jigsaw (depending on the window or door type).

If you’re installing a composite door, check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes because this could invalidate the warranty 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 with the Jigsaw. Follow the directions that are provided by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use a template to help you identify the size of hole you 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 future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to seal the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to keep out wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. It’s a simple procedure that most people can accomplish themselves, although you’ll likely require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

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 have to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places where you must drill using the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you’ll need to be comfortable with the saw. Numerous companies will perform this task for you at a reasonable price in case you’re hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to attach the interior part of the cat flap to the door’s hole. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outside of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts on top, and then tacked together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it is working correctly and allows the cat to go in and out easily.