Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets 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 move around whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home as well!
It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase the cat flap, as there are various sizes available. You should then make sure that the cat flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small and your cat may have trouble using it.
Use a ruler to measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!
Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able to assist you in determining whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and provide you with the appropriate size of flap to buy.
When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to leave this task to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to leave them home alone. It can also help to stop draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!
If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different as well. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, however it isn't always 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 joiner before starting.
You'll have to measure the height of your child to make sure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you've determined their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either aluminium or steel), you'll need to be extremely cautious when cutting it using power tools. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap should come with a template drawing that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole will be. If it doesn't, you could create your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). After the shape is drawn on the door you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.
Next, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the pattern that is marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will typically be marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Also, make sure that there are no electric gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. You should also be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't be faced with these issues. However, 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 worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may invalidate the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas that catch or stick, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Repair My Windows And Doors UK include templates for this, however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could 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 will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to put the flap into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it's recommended that you hire a professional. They will also be able determine if your door is suitable to install a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors may make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
When you have composite doors, you'll generally need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to make the door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood door.