The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house at will is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house if needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home as well!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. 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 uses the flap.
Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right location. If you're installing a cat flap to an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole doesn't reach too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors, it might be best to let this job to a glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to move around whenever they want without having to leave them alone. It can also help to keep draughts out of your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it might be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different, too. Before you consider fitting an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible and that you've checked with the manufacturers as alterations may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install the cat flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor in order to determine the position of the flap's bottom. This position is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be very careful when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Next, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is 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 you have the hole drilled, place the flap section up against it and push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a file or a sandpaper to correct this.
Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to damage them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is constructed of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed then this will add to the complexity of the job.
It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems 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
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to check if it fits and can be opened easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits come with templates for this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points that you'll use to secure it in the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is constructed of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the job for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that it could be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this can be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.