The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house whenever it wants is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.
Measure the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This makes it perfect for keeping them in the home when you're away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. Also, take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too tall can cause your cat to perform an acrobatics routine each time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to buy.
Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the long run!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct place. If you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (
mosegaard-waddell.blogbright.net) a cat flap to the patio door, it is crucial that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to leave the job of installing the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without you having to leave them to themselves. It can also help to keep draughts out of your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
However, if you have a uPVC or
composite door cat flap door it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to install an animal flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height in order to make sure they fit through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you've established their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming hard. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not however, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, make your own using a thin sheet of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape has already been drawn on the door, use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the door, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade suitable for use on
upvc door panels cat flap doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to correct this.
Also, make sure whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door that have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to cause damage to these items while cutting.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that is not easily removed, this will complicate the task.
It is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is essential to do them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. It is essential to get it right as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, place the flap to check whether it opens and fits well. If you notice any points 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 is flush with the door too.
Some kits include templates for this, but even if yours doesn't have a template, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and draw the area where you'll want to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to fit the flap into the correct position.
The majority of uPVC
doors with cat flap are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire an expert. They can also determine if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous job.
For composite doors, you'll typically need to use a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame rather than simply through the GRP. Be aware that this can be a very hazardous job and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself since it's extremely fragile. It's also worth noting that cutting a hole into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.