Installing a cat flap in to your home can be a major step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and requires extra security or if you have kittens that need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap could be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Choose the Right Door, or Window

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or inside, and others that 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's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human beings who wish to harm them.

It is possible to install the cat-flap on a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in various thicknesses. This can affect the method of cutting holes, and the material you put to.

If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door, it's recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap in an old wooden door, begin by the cat with it before you fit it, so that they get used to its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

In order to install an appropriate cat flap that is a good fit for your pet, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will ensure that the flap is the right height for your door or window, and that it's wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline Acrobatics.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you'll need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg, for example the suggested flap opening size is 14x12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as its name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging opening that opens by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also often employed in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high for a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

It is possible to put a cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with the masonry industry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables and pipes within the wall before you begin. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to create a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your home.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many cat flaps available on the market, and come with different features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the house. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out draughts and moisture.

There's also a range of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are square or circular. The type of cat flap bifold doors (click home page) flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fitting it to.

Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It will not stop other animals and cats from entering, and you could also be letting in drafts.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your window with cat flap or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to create holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It is essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil and a spirit level drill, file and an Jigsaw (depending on your window or door type).

Check with 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 case it's likely that you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or upvc cat flap door panels doors, you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacturer. If you can, Cat Flap bifold Doors use a template to help you identify the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you'll need to sand the edges of the opening. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Finally, you should apply any necessary sealant to the back of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. When the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can aid. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However, if you want to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require an expert.

Take a look at the instructions that came with the cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where holes need to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in with the pencil.

After you've marked the door's opening and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job however, you'll need to be comfortable with a saw. Many companies will do this for you for a reasonable price If you're not sure how to tackle it yourself.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal the flap before you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outer part of your cat flap may be placed on the bolts' tops and then securing them. You should test the flap on your cat to confirm that it's working properly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.