Nestor Henry

The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want without you having to open the door. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the house as well!

You should measure the door to ensure you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it may be too large or too small and your cat flap install might have trouble using it.

Use a ruler to determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few spots. This is because the door that is too high will cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they need to use the flap!

Ask a glazier for assistance if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to purchase.

Mark out the shape of your hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will help you when you cut the hole and save you money!

Make sure you make the hole in the right location. For instance, if fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (click through the next page) the cat flap in a patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.

If you have a glass door it is best to leave this task to a glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat flap fitting-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to leave him home all by himself. It can also help to keep draughts out of your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could invalidate any warranties.

These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable with insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.

To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll have to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they aren't moving around. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. This position is marked on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need be cautious. Drilling into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing a cat flap in a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap installer near me 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 using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat flap to be properly seated in the door and prevent it from being capable of sliding open or close.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once the hole is made and the flap is placed against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix it.

You should also check whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door that you will be cutting through, since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door which will need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them during this process.

Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door, and therefore will not be dealing with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the task.

It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is essential to do the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is essential to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.

Fit the Flap

Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap in place to see whether it can be opened easily. If you notice any points that catch or stick to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit perfectly and can be opened without issue. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.

Some kits come with an example of this, however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could use a piece or thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to fit it in the right position.

Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be beneficial to engage a professional to do the work for you. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of an animal flap.

You can install a cat flap into composite doors with cat flap. However, it's essential to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner prior to making any changes as any alterations to these types of doors could void the warranty. If you decide to tackle the work yourself, keep in mind that it can be messy and may even be hazardous.

When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous task, and you'll need to take extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is a lot more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wooden door.