Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet move around as they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home too!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small, and your cat could be unable to use it.
Before you take any action but use a ruler to measure the length of the door in several places along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they need to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for assistance in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when cutting the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure that you put the hole in the right location. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside the patio door, it's important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the task of installing the cat flap onto glass doors to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside the glass pane, and you may 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 want without you having to leave him on his own. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different, too. Before you think about installing an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to get through the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. This is easier if they are sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too often. 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 be. This position can be outlined on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The act of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap into glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut cat flap fitting near me repairmywindowsanddoors -quality cat flap will come with a template that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole should go. If it does not then you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or close.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly, 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 flap's action is smooth. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through, as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be cautious not to cause damage to these items while cutting.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this can make the job.
For these types of jobs, it is recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid future problems. It is essential to get it right as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap and check whether it opens and fits well. If you find any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include a template, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to fix the flap in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore simple to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able inform you if the door is suitable for the installation of a cat flap.
You can install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors. However, it's essential to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to make the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or solid wood door.