Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent option for any pet owner. No matter if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have kittens that need to be vetted there are plenty of options there to choose from.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There's a wide selection of cat flaps to choose from including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in the form of a window that opens to an area of the garden that is protected. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. If possible, this will also give them a way back case they are chased by another cat or by a human intent to harm them.

It's possible to put a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't the same as fitting one in a wood door. This is due to the fact that upvc door panel with cat flap fitted and composite doors come in various thicknesses, which can affect how much to install a cat flap holes are cut and what you're fixing into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended that you consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can be familiar with its shape and size, and explore it from all angles.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

It is important to know the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will allow you to ensure that your cat flap is installed at the right height for the window or door, and that it is large enough for him to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Check for any squishy fat pads - these may be visible around their lower back, face or limbs. The padding provides your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are known for.

You can also consider the weight of your pet to determine how large opening you require. If your cat weighs up to 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Take a measurement of your door or window

The name implies the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers a way for your pet to leave or enter whenever it wants. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and sit 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, which provide extra sed the door or window then it's time to install it. Mark the belly height of the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is sitting straight against the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a guide. Then, using your saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Make the Tools

As with all DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the right tools for the job. The most important things you'll require are the cat flaps for french doors flap itself, a tape measure and an excellent pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

If you're installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, because this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this case it's likely you'll have to replace the glass with a new piece of toughened glass.

You'll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the directions given by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you mark out the size of hole you'll will need to cut.

After you've cut the required hole, Cat flap in upvc door cost you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. You should also cover the holes in your door or window and the back of the cat flap to prevent rain and wind. Once the sealant is dry then you can put up your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can complete by themselves, though you may require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Look at the instructions that came with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap on the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with a pencil.

Once you have marked out the area in your door then use a jigsaw cut out the design of the Cat Flap In Upvc Door Cost flap. It is a relatively simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using a saw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you at a reasonable cost in case you're hesitant to take on the task yourself.

Then, screw the inner part to the hole in your door. You may have to apply sealant before making this move to ensure it is weather and water resistant. Then, you can put the outer part of the cat flap on the top of the fixing bolts, and tighten them all together. It is recommended that you test the flap using your cat to make sure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.