How to install a cat flap

Hate the idea of your cat being stuck indoors all day while you're at work? Instead of paying around £50 for a professional to install a cat flap, do it yourself – it's easy when you know how.

You will need:

• Cat flap – try a magnetic cat flap or one that works with your cat's microchip
• Masking tape
• Spirit level
• Electric drill
• Pencil
• Jigsaw
• Sandpaper

1) Decide where you want the cat flap to go – make sure it's the right height for your cat to use comfortably.

2) Stick the template provided to your wooden door with masking tape. Check it's straight using the spirit level then drill through the corner points on the template.

3) Remove the template and draw a square in pencil to join up the four holes you've just drilled – these will form the outline of the opening. Use a jigsaw to cut out the square then smooth the edges with sandpaper.

4) Line up the cat flap with the hole, check that it's straight, then drill clearance holes for the screw-fixing positions.

5) Hold both sides in place and screw them together, fixing the screws through the clearance holes. Check that the flap swings freely and you're ready to go!