Installing a cat flap in your home is a fantastic step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or you have kittens that need to be examined.

Installing a cat flap could be daunting for non-professionals however, with the proper instructions, it's easy to accomplish. The key is preparation, planning and precision.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps available that come with locks (which can be used to stop your pet from leaving or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It is best to place the cat flap, depending on the style of your house, in an opening that leads into a garden that is sheltered. This will help your cat feel secure when entering or leaving your home. This will also enable them to return inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or humans who want to hurt them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a upvc door panel cat flap or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one into a wood door. This is because uPVC or composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and the material you put into.

If you're installing the flap on glass doors, it's recommended that you consult a glazier who specialises in such work to avoid costly errors. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introduction of your cat flap installer 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

You'll need your cat's measurements to make sure that the cat flap you choose to install is a good fit. This will help you ensure that the cat flap is installed at the right height on the door or window, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.

To do this, lay your pet on their back and run your fingers gently across their belly. Look for a fat pad that is squishy around the lower back, face or legs. The extra padding protects your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

Alternately, you could consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you require. If your cat is up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm cat flap opening is recommended.

Make sure you measure your windows or doors

This kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be affixed to the door. It allows your pet to be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. They are usually made from aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door with an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are now locking versions of these flaps, which provide extra security, so your cat isn't able to enter the door from the outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they are simple enough to install, though they are usually set up high as it is difficult for dogs and cats to access them. If the window isn't high enough to use a cat's flap, you can use ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to aid the animal in getting to it.

It is possible to put the cat flap onto brick walls, however it is not recommended for those who aren't familiar with brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It is essential to ensure that there aren't any cables or pipes inside the wall before you begin. If they are, there must be a hole created for them and this is something that you should always seek professional advice on. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust created when cutting through your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

There are a variety of cat flap installation bristol flaps available on the market, and all offer different features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The kind of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the type of window or door you're fitting it to.

Also consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap insulation flap will come with. A simple aluminium or plastic swing-out door is one option and is usually the least expensive. But, it will not keep other animals or cats from entering your home and you could let draughts in too.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly height on the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the cat flap. Then, using your Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. When you're satisfied with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.

Prepare the Tools

Like all DIY jobs, it's always best to have the proper tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap along with an eraser and tape measure as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.

Check with the manufacturer prior to making any modifications to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll need to use a jigsaw to cut out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. Use a template if possible to mark out the size hole you require.

After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening 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. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come whenever it wants, installing a flap can help. Most people can put in the flap on their own. However when you plan to install it in glass or uPVC type door, you might need an expert.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give you an idea of where the holes for the flap will need to be drilled in the door. Mark the areas in which you will need to drill with the pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however you'll need be comfortable with the saw. If you're worried about doing it yourself, there are plenty of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It is possible to seal it prior to doing this to ensure it remains weather-proof and water resistant. You can then place the outer section of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and then tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it is working correctly and that it allows the cat to go in and out easily.