Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents 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 go and come whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your house as well!
It's important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it could be too large or too small, and your cat could be unable to use it.
Get a ruler and determine the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, measure the door's height in a few places. This is because the door that is too high could cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. 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 to buy.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will assist you when you're cutting the hole and save you money!
You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the correct place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.
If you have a glass door, it might be best to let this job to a glazier. It can be very tricky to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane and you might discover that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't beneficial for your cat as well as you.
However, if you have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the process of installing them is different as well. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.
Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to install an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate the cat flap, make sure you consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.
You'll need to determine their height to ensure that they can fit through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've determined their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. Then, you can mark this location on the door.
If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to hire an experienced glass installer to install the cat flap inside a pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, make your own using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are perfect). After the shape is drawn on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the door and prevent it from being able to slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will usually be identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and then push it open to ensure that the flap's action is smooth. If it is bound on any point, then you can use a file or a sandpaper to fix it.
You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you'll be cutting through because they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Be aware of any handles or other fittings in the door, which must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.
The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the task.
For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Fit the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap in place to check if it fits and is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, file them down with a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap sits in a flush position with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place RepairMyWindowsAndDoors against the door and mark a line where you need 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 are the screw holes you'll use to put the flap into place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or a composite, it can be more challenging. If you're not comfortable with this, it's best to hire an expert. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be messy and possibly hazardous task.
You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to create the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood door.