Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a major step for any pet owner. Whether your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have new kittens who require a vet check, there are plenty of options out there to choose from.

It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with the proper instructions, it's simple. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy.

Select the Right Door, Fitting a cat flap or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. However, it's important to consider the ease of your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into an area of the garden that is protected. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a route back in should they get pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent to harm them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in different thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as what you're fixing to.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted door. If you're fitting a cat flap the flap onto an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it at first so that it can become familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

In order to install an appropriate cat flap fitting near me flap that is the right size for your pet, you'll have to measure your cat's size. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height for your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and exit easily.

To do this, place your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers across their belly. Feel for any squishy fat pads - these could be visible on their lower back, face or legs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your windows or doors

As the name suggests, this type of cat flap is made to be attached to a door and provides the pet with a way to leave or enter as it pleases. They are usually made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door with the possibility of a swinging door that opens by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options which provide extra security so that your cat flap installer near me is not able to enter the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at a height where cats and dogs find it difficult to reach them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap cover for winter flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be used to help the animal access it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for people who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. Before you begin, it's essential to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult an expert if you have to create a hole for cables and pipes. It is also recommended to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to avoid inhaling any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your house.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer various features. Some are equipped with security features such as magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals to block the elements of moisture and draughts.

There's also a range of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. 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.

The last thing to do is consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. It won't stop other cats and pets from entering however, and you could let in draughts.

Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the windows or doors then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure that the line isn't too low and is in line with the door. Draw a template of the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Make sure you have the tools ready

It's essential to have the right tools for undertaking any DIY project. You'll require the cat flap, a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal damaged. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a brand new piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If you can, use an example to identify the dimensions of the hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've made the hole, you will need to sand the edges of the opening. This should prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door fitting a cat flap or window to block rain and wind. After 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 go and come as it pleases, fitting a flap can help. It's a simple procedure that most people can do themselves, although you will likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of replacement upvc door panels with cat flap door.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled to install the flap in the door. Mark the areas you'll 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. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you are concerned about doing this yourself, there are many businesses that can handle this for you at a very low cost.

Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it weatherproof and watertight. Then, you can put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. You should test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.