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Installing www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk -friendly flap in your home is a great step for any pet owner. If your cat is old and requires additional security, or you have a new kitten who require a vet check, there are a lot of options there for you. Installing a cat flap may 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 key to success. Select the Right Door or Window There are a variety of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to stop your pet from leaving or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to think about how easy it will be to train your cat to use the flap, before you buy and install one. Depending on the design of your home It is recommended to situate the cat flap in a window or door that opens to an area of protection in the garden, so that your cat is secure when leaving and entering the home. If possible, this will also give them a way back should they get chased by a cat or by a human intent to harm them. You can install the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as putting one in a wooden door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in various thicknesses, which affect the way holes are cut as well as the materials you're fixing them to. If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to consult a glazier who specialises in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap to the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it, so that they get used to its shape and size and explore it from every angle. Take a look at your cat's belly measurement To install a cat flap that's the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's size. This will ensure that the flap is at the correct height on your window or door and that it's big enough to allow them to get in and exit with ease. Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers across their belly. Look for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet with protection and allows them to move more easily, particularly when performing the acrobatics cats are famous for. You can also 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 kind of cat flap, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed into the door. It allows your pet to enter and exit at its convenience. They are usually made of aluminum or plastic and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a two-way swinging door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps that offer extra security, so your cat can't simply walk through from the outside. Cat flaps are also often used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate a cat's flap, then you can make use of steps, ramps or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it. Cat flaps can be installed to a brick wall, but this is not recommended unless you are familiar with masonry work since it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to ensure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. If they are, an opening must be made for them. This is something that you should always seek expert advice on. It's also advisable to wear safety goggles and a dust mask to prevent inhaling any of the sawdust created by cutting into your home's walls. Select the Right Cat Flap There are many cat flaps that are available on the market, and they have various features. Some have security options such as magnetic locks or microchip recognition to block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing pets or friends into the home. Some seals are weatherproof and insulation to keep out draughts and moisture. There is also a choice of sizes, based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. The type 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. Lastly consider the opening mechanism that your cat flap is likely to have. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not stop other pets or cats from entering and you may let draughts in too. It's time to install your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template for the flap for cats. Then, using your jigsaw, cut out the outline of the door. When you are satisfied with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws. Make sure you have the tools ready Like any DIY tasks, it's advisable to make sure you have the appropriate tools to complete the task. You'll need the cat flap, tape measure and pencil as well as a spirit-level, drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the kind of door or window. Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this case you'll require an entirely new pane of toughened glass instead. You'll require the jigsaw to cut your cat flap on wooden or uPVC door. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacture. If you can, use an example to determine the size of hole you need to cut. After you've made the hole, you'll need to sand down the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will prevent the possibility of water damage and rust. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to block wind and rain. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap! Install the Flap If you want your cat to be able to go and come as it pleases, fitting flaps can be helpful. This is a simple process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely need to hire a professional if you are installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other type of uPVC door. Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. There is an illustration of the template. This will give an idea of the location where the holes will be drilled for the flap in the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with the pencil. After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw and cut out the the cat flap. This is a fairly simple job, but you'll need to be comfortable using the saw. If you are concerned about doing it yourself, there are a lot of businesses that can handle this for you at a low cost. Next, you will need to screw the inner part of the cat flap to the door's hole. You may need 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 flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten them all together. It is recommended to test the flap with your cat to ensure that it is working properly and that they are able to move easily through it.