Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the home at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the home when required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It's 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 right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to determine the width of the door in several locations along its edge. You should also determine the door's height in a few places. 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 of how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this type of work regularly. They should be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and help you decide on the best size of flap to purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will help you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct place. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in a patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap onto the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap inside the glass pane and you might discover that the process causes it to crack 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 stop draughts entering your home, which isn't healthy for you or your cat.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't easy to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you know 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 is marked on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. cat flap installation near me drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it does not then you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.
Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will usually be marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and then push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch them during the process.
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 problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it is important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is important to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is important to get it right as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
After you've made your hole drilled, put the flap on to test whether it is able to open easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put it into the correct position.
Most uPVC doors are solid and therefore easy to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be advisable to hire an expert to complete the job for you. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install the cat flap.
You can install a cat flap into composite doors, but it is important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, be aware that it can be a messy and potentially hazardous task.
You'll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.