The freedom to let your cat move around the house as it pleases is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is important to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who performs this kind of work often. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when cutting the hole and save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the right place. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to leave the installation of the cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass and you could discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without having to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat as well as you.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be durable and tough, with insulation. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need to measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This position is marked on the door.
If you are using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have to be careful. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap will come with a template drawing that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole should go. If it doesn't, you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has already been drawn on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to sit properly in the opening and stop it from being in a position to slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut the design that was written on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It is usually identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it becomes stuck on any points then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut into. The jigsaw may damage 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. Be cautious not to scratch them in the process.
Most people who fit the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these problems. However, if your door is made from timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Install cat flap installation
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to check whether it opens easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is flush with the door too.
If your tool doesn't have an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes on each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to use to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be beneficial to engage an expert to complete the job for you. They can also inform you if the door is suitable to install an animal flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors. However, it's essential to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and even dangerous.
You'll need to use a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any type of glass for a door is far more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.
