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Getting a cat flap fitted into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.

Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not hard to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the most important factors.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a myriad of kinds of cat flaps, some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or in and others with modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It's important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It's best to place the cat flap, based on the design of your house, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If you can it will also provide them a way back case they are pursued by a different cat or by humans who are intent on harming them.





It is possible to install the cat flap on the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect how holes are cut and the material you're fixing it into.

If you're installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this kind of work to avoid any costly errors. If you are fitting the flap to an existing wooden door it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Find out the size of your cat's belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is the perfect fit. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the correct height on your door or window and that it's wide enough to allow them to enter and exit with ease.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. cat flap cover for winter protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

You can also take into account the weight of your pet to determine how large an opening you require. If your cat is at or over 5kg for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for the cat is advised.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests is designed to be affixed to a door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply are placed in the middle of the door with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer added security so your cat isn't able to walk through from the outside.

A window is another popular location for a cat's flap, and they are simple enough to fit, although they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is not sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to assist the animal in reaching it.

A cat flap could be installed to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. It's important to check that there aren't any cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. Always consult a professional if you need to make a hole for pipes or cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls.

Choose the Cat Flap that is right for you.

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they come with various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that prevent unauthorized entry. They also prevent your pet from letting guests or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. Selecting the best cat flap will be dictated by the space available as well as the type of door or window you are fitting it to.

Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The most affordable option is a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from entering and you may let draughts in too.

Once you've selected the right cat flap and measured the window or door then it's time to install it. Begin by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you're happy with the result, sand the edges and then drill through the pencil lines to make holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the proper tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap itself, a tape measure and a good pencil as well as a spirit level, a file, drill and a jigsaw (depending on your windows or doors).

If you're installing in a composite door, consult with the manufacturer prior to making any changes, since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have 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 and follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use a template to help you determine the size of the hole you have to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off 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 the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant has dried then you can put up your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to go and come at will, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can put in the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Check out the directions included with the cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap have to be drilled in the door. Then, mark the places that you'll have to drill using the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable with the Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are a lot of companies that can complete this for you at a low cost.

Then, attach the outer part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer section of the cat flap on top of the fixing bolts and then tighten them all. It is recommended that you test the flap with your cat to make sure that it is working properly and that they can move easily through it.