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Installing a cat flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires extra security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening There are plenty of options out 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 do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success. Select the Right Door or Window There are a variety of cat flaps that are available, 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 how to use the flap before you purchase and install one. It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in a window that opens into a garden that is sheltered. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them. You can put an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window however, it's not as easy as fitting one into wooden doors. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them into. If you're installing the flap in the glass of a door it is recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in this kind of work to avoid costly errors. If you are fitting the flap to the door made of wood it is recommended that you introduce your cat first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape. Measure Your Cat's Belly 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 make sure that the flap is at the right height on the door or window, and that it's big enough to allow him to enter and leave easily. To do this, lay your pet on their back and gently rub your fingers along their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back or face, or around the legs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for. You 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 recommended. Make sure you measure your window or door This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into a door. It allows your pet to move in and out at their convenience. They are typically made of plastic or aluminium and simply sit in the centre of the door. They come with a two-way swinging door that is opened by pressing lightly on either side. The flaps are available in locking versions that provide additional security so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside. A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to install, though they often need to be placed high up as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window is too high for a cat flap then ramps, steps or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it. A cat flap can be incorporated into a brick wall but this is not recommended unless experienced in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. Before replacement upvc door panels with cat flap begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. You should always consult an expert if you have to create a hole for pipes and cables. It's also advisable to wear goggles with a protective lens and a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any of the sawdust created by cutting holes in your home's walls. Choose the right cat flap There are a variety of cat flaps available on the market, and have various features. Certain cat flaps come with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also stop your pet from letting guests or other animals into the house. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to block out draughts and moisture. There are also different sizes available depending on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space available as well as the type of door or window you intend to install it on. Last but not least, take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. The most affordable option is to use a simple swing-out aluminium or plastic door. It won't stop other pets and cats from entering however, and you could be letting in drafts. Once you have selected the right cat flap and measured your window or door and window, it's now time to put it in place it. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, use a jigsaw to cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for screws. Prepare the Tools It is essential to have the right tools when undertaking any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap, an eraser and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill and a jigsaw depending on the type of window or door. 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 damaged. In this case, you'll probably require an additional pane of toughened glass instead. For wooden or uPVC doors you'll need to cut out the design of your cat flap using a Jigsaw. Follow the directions provided by the manufacturer. If possible, use an example to mark out the size of the hole you will need to cut. After you've made the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will prevent any water damage or rust from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the back of the cat flap as well as to the holes in the door or window to keep out the elements of wind and rain. After the sealant has dried then you're now ready to put in your new cat flap! Install the Flap Fitting a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. Most people can install the flap themselves. However should you wish to put it in a glass or uPVC type door, you might need a professional. Look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is a template drawing. This will give you an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap on the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using pencil. After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy job, but you'll need to be comfortable with the jigsaw. If you are worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost. Then, you can screw the inside part to the hole of your door. It is possible to seal it prior to making this move to ensure it stays watertight and weather resistant. You can then put the outer section of the cat flap on the 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 get in and out of it.