The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet in the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
You should measure the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This ensures you get the right 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.
Take a ruler, and take measurements of the width at various places along the edges of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this type of work frequently. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. If you are fitting a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could cause leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they wish without having to leave him home all by himself. It can also stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
They are designed to last and are tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit an animal flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner before beginning.
You'll have to measure their height in order to ensure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap in glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which is less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has been drawn on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Then, you can employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap up against it and push it open to make sure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects while cutting.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, it will make the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is essential to do them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. It is important to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any spots that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk come with a template for this but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could use a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be wise to get a professional to handle the job for you. They can also advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and could be dangerous.
For composite doors, you'll generally require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to hurt the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It is important to note that it's more difficult to cut holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.