The freedom to let your cat move around the house as it pleases is a great method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it needs to.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap since there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Before you take any action however, you should take a ruler and measure the length of the door in various places along its edge. You should also determine the height of the door in a few spots. A door that is too high will make your cat do an acrobatics routine each time it wants to use the flap.
Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure what to measure for the door. They will be able to help you determine whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.
Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole on the door. This will help you when cutting the hole and will save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For instance, if installing the cat flap inside a patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to leave this task to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to fit the cat flap onto the glass pane, and you may be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want, without having to leave him all by himself. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not healthy for your cat or you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These types of doors are typically made with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is quite different too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.
To ensure that your cat is able to access the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance from their stomach to the floor to determine the position of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have be extra cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially in the case of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier is also in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't then you can create one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been drawn on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be labeled with this information. If not then ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it is bound on any point, then make use of a file or a rasp to fix this.
Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door and so won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is made of timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will increase the difficulty of the task.
It is always advisable to seek professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is crucial to get them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. It is crucial to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap in place to see if it fits and opens easily. If you find any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit perfectly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't have templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing 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 each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to use to fix the flap in place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made of GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended that you hire an expert. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation .
It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that this 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. This is a risky job, and you'll require extra care to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.