Allowing your cat to move around the house whenever it wants is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for your cat to leave the house when required.
Take cat flap installer at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without having to open the door. This is a great method to keep your pet safe in the home when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from entering.
It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or small and your cat might be unable to use it.
Use a ruler to determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They should be able to assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to purchase.
Mark out the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!
Make sure you make the hole in the right position. If you're installing an apex flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or issues with the seal.
If you have an opening made of glass it is best to delegate this task to a glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you might find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to leave them home on their own. It can also keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, however they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to determine their height to make sure they pass through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. This position is marked on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't then you can create one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it isn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Then, you can employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound on any points then use a file or rasp to correct this.
It is also important to ensure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting through, since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid future problems. Making the wrong choice could cause the door to be damaged, which could make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.
If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. 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 a cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screws you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore simple to cut into. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you are not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you choose to do the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and dangerous task.
You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.