Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be daunting for non-professionals but, with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flap cost flaps to choose from that come with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to put the cat flap near an opening or window that opens to an area that is protected from the garden so that your cat is secure when going into and out of the house. If possible it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by humans intent to harm them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because upvc door panel replacement cat flap or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This could affect the how holes are cut and what you fix into.

If you're installing the flap on glass doors, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're fitting the flap into a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first so that it can become familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers across their belly. Find a squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The padding gives your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for.

Alternatively, you can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs at or above 5kg in weight for instance, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Make sure you measure your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked that provide additional security so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

cat flap fitting near me flaps are also commonly used in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to use a cat flap bifold doors flap, steps, ramps or purpose constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in the masonry industry. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. If there are, then a hole needs to be created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust generated by cutting through your home's walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flaps that are available on the market, and all offer different features. Some come with security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out the elements and keep out drafts.

There are different sizes to choose from 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 pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

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

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the height of the belly on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, use a saw to cut out the door's outline. Once you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like any DIY jobs, it's always best to have the right tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap along with a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level a file, drill and the jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this case you'll have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap using the jigsaw and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. Use a template to mark the size hole you'll require.

After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any future water damage or rust. Finally, 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 keep out the elements of wind and rain. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

fitting a cat Flap a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish by themselves, though you may require the assistance of an expert for installing the flap in an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door.

Start by looking at the instructions provided with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be made for the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. This is a relatively simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part of the door to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that they can move easily through it.