Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house as it pleases is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without having to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house the home when you’re away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It’s important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, measure the door’s height in a couple of places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
If you’re not sure of how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work regularly. 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 you should purchase.
After you’ve gotten your measurements, the next step to do is to mark the outline of the hole on the door. This will provide you with a guide when it comes to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the end!
Make sure that you put the hole in the correct location. If you are fitting a cat flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want, without needing to leave him on his own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
If you have a uPVC door or composite door cat flap door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the process of installing them is different. Before you think about installing the cat flap on your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
They are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they can be difficult to install an animal flap. If you’re unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you’ll need take a measurement of their height. It’s easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don’t sway around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap cost flap should go. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel), you’ll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in an e-cat flap on a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap install flap should come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn’t, create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, use your spirit level and ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape drawn on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC door use. It is usually labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole drilled then place the flap up against it and push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it becomes stuck on any points then make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting into as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and will not have to worry about any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this can make the job.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could cause the door to be damaged, which could invalidate the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you’ve made your hole, put the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any spots that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn’t have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw points that you’ll need to use to fix it in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you’re not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it can be a messy job and even dangerous.
You’ll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you’ll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself, as it’s extremely fragile. It’s important to remember that it’s more difficult to cut the door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.