Allowing your cat to move around the house as it pleases is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the home when needed.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come as they please without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet safe in the house when you are away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests out of your.
It is essential to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will be unable to use it.
Before you do anything however, you should use a ruler to take measurements of the width of the door in a variety of places along its edge. You should also measure the
back door with cat flap fitted's height in a few places. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.
Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for
cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap to purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is to mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!
Make sure you make the hole in the correct position. If you're
fitting a cat Flap in a upvc door a cat flap to the patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.
It is best to delegate the job of installing the cat flap onto glass doors to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they wish without having to leave him home alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before installing the 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 built in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it can be difficult to install a cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to take their height in order to make sure they fit through the door. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the
cat flap bifold doors flap needs to be. You can then mark this location on the door.
If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an expert glazier to install your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A good cat flap should come with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to go. If it isn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has been drawn on the door, utilize your spirit level to make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that the
cat flap step flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw, and cut the shape that has been marked on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for
upvc door panels cat flap doors. It will typically be identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and then open it, making sure that the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or rasp to fix this.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. 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 careful not to damage these items during the process.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these problems. However, if your door is made of wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed then this will make it more difficult to complete the task.
It is always advisable to seek assistance from an expert cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is important to get them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that stick or catch to the wall, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and open without difficulty. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door too.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws you'll use to fit it into the right position.
Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to do the work for you. They can also inform you if the door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential 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 it could be messy and even dangerous.
For composite doors, you'll generally require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll have to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself since it is extremely fragile. It's important to remember that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid wood door.