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Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are numerous options for you, no matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that require to be examined. Installing a cat flap can be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to do. The most important thing is planning, preparation and accuracy. Select the Right Door, or Windows There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from getting out or in and others with high tech features like microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to train your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one. Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to put the cat flap inside an opening or window that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or human who wants to harm them. You can put an egress flap inside the case of a uPVC door or glass window however, it's not as simple as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC or composite doors come in various thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into. If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended that you find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to a wooden door, start by introducing your cat to it before you fit it so that they can be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from all angles. Find out the size of your cat's belly It is important to know the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's large enough to allow them to get in and out easily. To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently along their belly. Look for any squishy fat pads – these might be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline acrobatics. upvc cat flap door panels can also use the weight of your pet to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight, for example, a 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised. Make sure you measure your door or window This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is made to be fitted into the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and sit in the centre of the door with a two-way swinging door that opens by pressing lightly on either side. These flaps can be locked which provide extra security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside. Cat flaps are also commonly employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be installed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to reach them. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it. A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. You should always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for cables and pipes. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to avoid breathing in any sawdust that is created by cutting through the walls of your house. Choose the right cat flap There are many different cat flaps available and each one comes with different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition that stop unauthorized entry and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There are also different sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular, while others are circular or square. The best type of cat flap will be dictated by the space available and the type of window or door you intend to install it on. Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is an alternative and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering and you may let draughts through as well. It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure 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 guide. Next, use your Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. When you're happy with the results sand down the edges and then drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws. Make the Tools It is essential to have the right tools available when doing any DIY project. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself as well as a tape measure, a good pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and the Jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors). Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this instance, you'll probably have to install a new pane of toughened glass instead. You'll need to use the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to determine the size of hole you need. After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will stop any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to move around at will, installing a flap can help. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert. Begin by studying the instructions included with your cat flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap to be placed in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill in using pencil. After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll have to be comfortable using the saw. Many companies will complete this work for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to do it yourself. Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all. It is recommended to test the flap using your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.