Allowing your cat flap installation to enter and go out of the home at its own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can reduce accidents with toilets by making it easier for the cat to leave the house when needed.
Measure the Door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
You should take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.
Get a ruler and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will advise you on what size flap you should purchase.
Draw the outline of the hole on the door once you have your measurements. This will aid you when you're cutting the hole, and will save you money!
Make sure to put the hole in the right position. For instance, if installing the cat flap on a patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the job of installing the cat flap onto glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could find 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 whenever they want without having to leave them to themselves. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't healthy for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible prior to installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.
They are designed to be tough and durable with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to install a cat flap into. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to determine the height of your child to ensure that they can fit through the door. This is easier when they're asleep or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you've established their height, measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position is marked on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you need be cautious. The process of drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat. This is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't then you can create one yourself by using a piece of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). If it isn't, you can make one using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape has been penciled on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being capable of sliding open or closed.
Then, make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked as such If not, ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you plan to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap and be cautious not to scratch them during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this will complicate the job.
(Image: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Window-Repairs.-150x150.jpg)It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is important to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to see if it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.
If your kit doesn't include an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper 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 a cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These will be the screw holes you'll need to use to fix it in place.
Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if the door is made from GRP or fitting a cat flap in a upvc door composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to do the work for you. They will also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for installation of a cat flap.
If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors with cat flap, 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 choose to carry out the work yourself, remember that this can be messy and hazardous task.
For composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself, as it is extremely fragile. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to cut the door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood doors.