Allowing your cat to move around the house whenever it wants is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the home when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it might be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to measure the width of the door in various locations along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct position. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass you could want to let this job to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into an existing pane of glass and you could discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him all by himself. It can also help to keep draughts out of your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are made to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, however they can be difficult to install a cat flap into. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height to make sure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're at peace or asleep, which means they don't move around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an expert glass installer when putting in an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap comes with a drawing template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole will be. If it isn't, you can create one by using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). Once the shape has been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole cut out and the flap section is in place, put it against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix it.
It is also important to ensure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door you'll be cutting into because they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to harm them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential issues in the future. It is important to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to test whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you notice any points that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't, you can use a piece or thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using cat flap installers near me 've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it into place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. If the door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's best to hire an expert. They can also advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
With composite doors, you'll usually need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's panel rather than simply through the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to cut holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.