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A cat flap allows you to give your pet more freedom while saving you the hassle of having to let them out and in. It can also make your pet less anxious and will stop them from entering your home when they aren't allowed to do so. To fit a cat flap in your door you need to measure from the bottom of their stomachs to the floor, and draw a line on the door panel. Use a spirit-level to check whether the line is straight. 1. The kind of door It is best to consult an expert to install a cat flap into an uPVC or double glazing glass sealed unit. They can supply the uPVC or glass panel with a hole already drilled. This will help you save time and money, and make sure that the work is done properly. The most basic kind of cat flap is a simple swinging door with two ways that allow your pet to go and come whenever it wants. They are typically the cheapest and can be installed on all doors. They don't seal well and can let cold drafts or warm air in during summer. Another option that is popular is a microchip cat flap which recognizes your pet's unique microchip code and opens the flap for the pet to use. This stops other pets and stray animals from using the flap and ensures your pet's safety inside your home. There are also locking cat flaps that allow you to lock the door both for exit and entry. This allows you to control the time your pet leaves and comes in, which is important if you have young children living in the home. The size of your cat is the primary factor to consider when selecting a cat flap. This will determine how big opening you'll need to make in the door or wall. It is essential to be sure to measure your dog and then select the appropriate door. When deciding on which flap to pick, you should also be aware of whether you want it to be infrared or magnetic. Infrared and magnetic cat flaps are generally more expensive, but offer superior security. A handyman with a good reputation has years of experience in fitting cat flaps. They can give you advice on the best option for your home. They'll be able to navigate the complexity of different kinds of walls and doors, and ensure that the cat flap is installed correctly to ensure your pet's safety. 2. The kind of flap You'll need the right cat flap if you intend to install one inside your uPVC doors. The type of pet you want to keep and how you intend to use the cat flap will determine which you choose. For instance, you may want to purchase one that locks and can be locked from the inside of the home. This will stop other people from entering your home and keeping your pet secure and safe. Consider the shape of the flap. The modern flaps are usually rectangular or square. The flaps of the past were more circular. It is important to measure your cat's height and select the location on your door where they can enter and exit easily. Once you've selected a flap and measured your door, it's time to begin the installation process. First, remove any decorative elements from the surface of your uPVC door panel and ensure that it's flat. Once you've completed this you can begin the cutting. If your pet flap has an example template be sure to follow exactly. Next, place the jigsaw blade through the first hole, and then cut along your line. Be careful not to cut through any mullions or vertical rails. Once the jigsaw is finished you can repeat the process for the next hole. Continue this procedure until you've made the hole large enough for your pet to fit through. Some pet flaps come with a magnetic lock which can be used to secure the flap closed. This can be particularly useful if you have an indoor/outdoor cat who doesn't want to leave the house or is afraid of strangers. You can also utilize this feature to stop your cat from escaping at night or when you're away from home for long periods of time. Although it is possible to fit an open cat flap on the composite or uPVC door but the process is somewhat more difficult than fitting it into the door made of timber. This is due to the fact that composite doors are constructed from several different materials, and making modifications to them may void their warranty or cause damage to the weatherproof seal. If cat flap fitters choose to attempt this yourself it is advisable to consult a professional joiner before starting. 3. The material The cost of installing a pet flap can vary in relation to the material of your door. This is because different materials are more difficult to cut and may require more care during installation to avoid damage. This is particularly the case for uPVC or composite doors that need to be handled with care to ensure their integrity. Before starting the installation, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. Included in this list must be the cat flap as well as a tape measuring tool as well as a good pen as well as a spirit-level and a drill. Follow the instructions carefully provided by the manufacturer. If your cat flap is made from glass, it's important to locate a glazier who has experience with this type of work. Firstly, you will have to decide where you will place the cat flap inside the door. Ideally, it should be near to the height at which your cat usually stands. It is also important to consider the thickness and dimensions of your door. Doors that are thicker will be more difficult to cut and may be more difficult to install. If possible, it's best to fit an animal flap on a new door when it is being built, as this will be easier and cheaper. Make a sketch of the cat flap using a pencil once you have found the ideal position. You can use the template that came with your cat flap for this. If you don't have a template, you'll have to draw the shape yourself. Make sure the shape is square and not elliptical. If your cat flap is circular, you will also need to mark the holes around it. These are usually at 12 o’clock, 3 o’clock and 6 o’clock. After making the marks on the paper, remove the flap and mark the holes with a Jigsaw. Screws should be drilled into the door, too, to ensure they are secure. Finally, apply the supplied sealant around the edges of the cat flap, and around any holes in the door if needed. 4. The installation method Installing a cat flap in your door's panel is a good method to reduce energy usage and keep your pet safe. By keeping drafts out of your home, you'll be able to save money on cooling and heating costs throughout the year. But before you start, it's important to understand the process of installation and the various aspects that can impact the cost of your project. The first step during the installation process is to choose the appropriate type of flap for your home. There are a variety of flaps available that range from manual models to microchip- and app-controlled models. Make sure you consider the pros and cons of each choice and decide which is important for your cat. If you're not sure which kind to purchase, think about seeking advice from a professional. A professional will provide insight into your door's design and construction as well as your cat's habits and help you choose what is best for your home. The next step is to determine how to put the flap in. The instructions for the cat flap must include a template that will show you how to cut the hole in your door. To avoid a mistake, be sure to measure your door's width and height, then draw the design accurately on paper. If your cat flap is square, make sure it's square and not slightly elliptical. It is essential to choose an experienced and reputable installer for your cat flap installation to ensure that the job is completed right. A poorly fitted pet flap could pose security issues and damage to your door, so it's worth spending some extra money to get the job done right. If you don't feel comfortable installing the flap on your own, request estimates from local tradespeople via HaMuch. We'll connect you with experts who can install your cat flap.