Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It's important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too large or small, and your cat could be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure a door, it might be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this type of work frequently. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to buy.
Draw the shape of the hole on your door once you have your measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the long run!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside the patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door it is best to let this job to a glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they wish without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is quite different too. Be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can be detrimental to warranties.
They are designed to last and are tough and have insulation. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they don't sway around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. You can then mark this location on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have be cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can create your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once cat flap installer near me is made and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to remove it.
Make sure there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures on the door that have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, it will make the task.
It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and could invalidate the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to test whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw holes will be used to secure the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They should also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous task.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.