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Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, no matter if your cat is getting older and requires extra security, or you have kittens who need to be checked. 
 
Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren’t professionals, but with the right instructions, it’s not difficult to accomplish. Planning, preparation and precision are the most important factors. 
 
Select the Right Door or Windows 
 
There’s a wide selection of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or entering) and others with high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how easy your cat is to train to use the flap prior to making a buy and install one. 
 
Based on the style of your house, it’s generally best to situate the cat flap inside a window or door that opens out into an area that is protected from the garden so your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. This will also enable them to get back inside in the event of being chased by other animals or humans who want to hurt them. 
 
You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it’s not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. repairmywindowsanddoors ‘s because uPVC or composite doors come in different thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the type of door you can fix into. 
 
If you’re installing the flap inside glass doors it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in this type of work to avoid costly mistakes. If you’re fitting the flap in a wooden door, start by the cat with it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from all angles. 
 
 
Take a look at your cat’s belly measurement 
 
To install an appropriate cat flap that is suitable for your cat, you’ll need to measure your cat’s size. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your door or window and that it’s wide enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease. 
 
To do this, place your pet on their back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back and face, as well as the limbs. The padding helps protect your pet and allows it to move more freely, particularly when performing feline acrobatics. 
 
Alternately, you could use your pet’s weight to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat weighs more than 5Kg, for example the suggested cat flap size is 14 x 12cm. 
 
Measure your window or door 
 
This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have the possibility of a swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps that provide extra security, so your cat won’t be able to simply walk through from the outside. 
 
Cat flaps are also frequently employed in windows. They are able to be easily installed, but they have to be set at a high level as cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window isn’t sufficient in height to be used as the flap for cats, you can use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it. 
 
A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall but 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 are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you start. Always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for pipes and cables. It’s also advisable to wear protective goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in the walls of your house. 
 
Choose the right cat flap 
 
There are numerous cat flaps available and all of them offer different features. Certain cat flaps come with security features like microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn’t authorized. They also prevent your pet from allowing friends or another animal into the house. Some also have insulation and weatherproof seals that keep out water and drafts. 
 
There are various sizes available depending on the breed and size of your pet. Certain cat flaps are available in rectangular shapes, while others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you pick will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you’re fitting it to. 
 
Finally consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from gaining access and you could be letting draughts in too. 
 
It’s time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the belly height on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Create a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using your saw, cut out 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 the screws. 
 
Make sure you have the tools ready 
 
Like any DIY jobs, it’s always best to have the right tools for the job. You’ll require the cat flap, tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door. 
 
If you’re installing in a composite door, it is recommended to consult with the manufacturer before making any changes, as this may affect the warranty or damage the weathertight seal. In this instance you’ll have to install an additional pane of toughened glass instead. 
 
You’ll need to use an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help mark out the dimensions of the hole you have to cut. 
 
After you’ve cut the required hole, you must smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. Finally, you should apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you’re ready to install your new cat flap! 
 
Install the Flap 
 
Installing a flap allows your cat to move around whenever it wishes. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you will likely require the help of an expert for installing the flap on a glass door or other type of uPVC door. 
 
Take a look at the instructions included with the cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be drilled into the door. Then, mark the areas that you’ll need to drill with the 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 will have to be comfortable using a jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this for you at a reasonable price If you’re not sure how to tackle it yourself. 
 
Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to apply sealant prior to making this move to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. The outer part of your cat flap can be placed on the bolts’ tops and then tightened together. It is recommended to test the cat flap with your cat to ensure that it works correctly and that they can enter and leave easily through it.