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Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options out there for you. It can be a bit daunting for people who aren't experts in installing an animal flap, but with proper guidelines, it's easy. The crucial factor is preparation, planning and accuracy. Select the Right Door or Window There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to prevent your pet from leaving or in and others with advanced features like microchips for door entry system. But, it's important to think about how easy your cat is to teach to use the flap before you buy and install one. It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the style of your home, inside a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will help your cat feel secure when entering and leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back should they get chased by another cat or by a human intent to harm them. You can put a cat flap in a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as easy as putting one in the door made of wood. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix to. To avoid costly errors It is recommended that you consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles. Measure Your Cat's Belly You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you install is a perfect fit. This will help you ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window, and that it's big 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 a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding offers your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics that felines are famous for. You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14x12cm. Take a measurement of your door or window This type of cat flap, as its name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside. Cat flaps are also commonly used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at a high level as cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it. A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before you begin, it's important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into the walls of your home. Select the Right Cat Flap There are numerous cat flaps that are available on the market, and come with various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to stop unauthorized entry and stop your pet allowing friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There are various sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular while others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on. Last but not least, consider the type of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the least expensive. However, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could be letting draughts in as well. Once you've selected the appropriate cat flap and measured your windows or doors, it's time to fit it. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the door's outline. When you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws. Make the Tools As with any DIY jobs, it's always advisable to make sure you have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, a pencil and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of door or window. 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 broken. In this instance it's likely that you'll need to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass. For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. Make use of a template to mark out the size hole you'll require. After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from occurring in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the door or window to block rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap! Install the Flap Fitting a flap will allow your cat to come and go whenever it wants. The majority of people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert. Begin by studying the instructions that come with the flap to locate the template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas where you need to drill with the pencil. After you've marked the door's opening, use a jigsaw to cut out the design of the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable price If you're not sure how to take on the task yourself. Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is waterproof and weatherproof. You can then put the outer portion of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. Discover More is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it functions properly and that they are able to move easily through it.