The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if necessary.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect for keeping them in the home when you’re away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various locations along the edge of the door. You should also take measurements of the door’s height in a couple of places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier when you’re unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.
Mark out the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole and will stop you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the end!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you’re making is placed in the right spot. If you’re fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (new content from Postheaven) a cat flap to the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn’t be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
If you have a glass door you could want to leave this task to a glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go as they please without you needing to leave them alone. It also helps stop draughts from entering your home, which isn’t good for you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and you have checked window with cat flap the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn’t always easy to install the cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.
To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you’ll have to take a measurement of their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they’re not moving around too much. 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. This position can be outlined on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need to be careful. The process of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap cost near me flap in a pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming hard. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn’t, create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap installation bristol flap sits properly in the opening, and it won’t slide open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw, and cut the design that was drawn on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section against it and push it out to ensure that the flap’s movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
Make sure there aren’t any electric or gas pipes within the door you’re going to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during this process.
Most people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, this can make the job.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is essential to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits come with a template for this however, if it doesn’t provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead – something similar to tracing paper. Lay the paper against the door and draw an area on which you’ll want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw holes you’ll need to use to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you’re not experienced with this, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it’s important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
You’ll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It’s worth noting that it’s much more difficult to make the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood doors.