The ability of your cat to come and go out of the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically active. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the home when necessary.
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 is a great method to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
You should take measurements of the door to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in various places along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They'll be able help you determine whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole on the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole and will save you money!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to leave the task of installing the cat flap onto a glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you could 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 wish without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat or you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation 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. Alterations may cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other types of doors, but it isn't easy to install a cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to beginning.
You'll need to determine their height in order to ensure that they can fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have be extra cautious. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. Glaziers can also provide 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
A good quality cat flap will come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole should be. If cat flap fitting near me does not then you can make one using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be marked with this information. If not, ask the staff in the DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and open it to ensure that the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to install the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during this process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, it will make the task.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is crucial to get them right to avoid any potential problems in the future. It is crucial to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to test whether it will fit and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap sits flush with the door too.
Some kits include templates for this, however, if it doesn't, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap - these will be the screw points you'll use to put it into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. But, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult an expert. They can also advise you on 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's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes because any changes to these types of doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be messy and may even be hazardous.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of door glass is far more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.