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Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and requires extra security, or you have kittens that require to be checked. It can be difficult for those who aren't professionals to put in an animal flap, but with the proper guidelines, it's easy. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy. Select the Right Door or Windows There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to stop your pet from getting out or inside, and others that have advanced features like microchips for door entry systems. But, it's important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap prior to making a purchase and install one. Depending on the design of your house, it's generally best to place the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden, so that your cat can feel safe when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to get back inside if they are pursued by a pet or humans who want to harm them. It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it's not as easy as putting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut and what you're fixing to. If you're installing the flap in glass doors it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles. Find out the size of your cat's belly You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is installed at the correct height on the door or window and that it is large enough for him to enter and leave easily. Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy – these could be visible on their lower back, face or the limbs. The padding gives your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for. You can also use your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance, the suggested cat flap size is 14x12cm. Make sure you measure your door or window This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet enter and exit at its convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by gently pushing on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside. A window is a common location for a cat flap, and they are simple enough to put in, but they often need to be set up high as it is difficult for cats and dogs to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps or specially constructed stairs can be used to aid the animal in accessing it. It is possible to install the cat flap onto the brick wall, however it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in masonry. This could weaken the structure of the wall. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you start. If there are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek expert advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls. Select cat flap fitting There are many cat flaps available on the market, and they come with various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There's also a range of sizes based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space you have available as well as the type of window or door you are fitting it to. Also, think about the mechanism to open your cat flap is likely to have. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is a good alternative and is usually the cheapest. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well. It's time to install your cat flap. Mark the belly height of 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 cat flap. Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the outline in the door. Once you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil lines to make holes for screws. Make the Tools Like all DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most essential things you'll need are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, a decent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file and an jigsaw (depending on your door or window type). Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this scenario, it's likely that you'll 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 using the jigsaw and follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you mark out the size of the hole you have to cut. After you've made the hole, you should then smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent future rust and water damage. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out 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. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However when you plan to install it in the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may need an expert. Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the places where you need to drill with pencil. After you have marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the shape for the cat flap. This is a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable cost If you're not sure how to do it yourself. Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant prior to doing this to ensure that it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. You should test the flap on your cat to make sure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.