Allowing your cat to leave and enter the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. Having a flap can also aid in reducing toilet accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house whenever it wants to.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap allows your pet to go and come at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the house when you're away or at home. It also helps keep unwanted pests from getting into your.
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or too small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.
Take a ruler, and determine the width at several places along the edges of the door. Also, measure the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it could be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work regularly. They'll be able to determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.
After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is mark out the shape of the hole on the door. 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 you're installing the cat flap inside the patio door, you must ensure that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap onto glass doors to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a cat-flap in 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 go and come as they please without you having to leave them to themselves. It can also help to stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for you or your cat!
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 way they are installed is different. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it is compatible and you have checked with the manufacturers as alterations may invalidate any warranties.
These doors are generally designed to last and are tough with insulation. They are more resistant to elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't easy to install a cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll have to measure their height to make sure they pass through the door. This will be easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the flap's bottom. 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 very careful when cutting it with power tools. The process of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it doesn't however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it isn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape has been drawn on the door, you can use your spirit level and make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the opening and will not slide open or close.
Next, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Use a blade designed for uPVC doors. It is usually identified with this information. If not then ask the staff at the DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to correct this.
You should also check whether there are any electric cables or gas pipes within the door you'll be cutting into since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures which will need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. You should be careful not to harm them during this process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is made from wood or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, it will add to the complexity of the job.
It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs since it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. If you do it wrong, it could cause the door to be damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Place the Flap
Once you have cut your hole, put the flap to see if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any points which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they are able to fit and open without any problems. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper against the door and draw the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these will be the screws that you'll use to secure the flap into place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite, it can be more difficult. If www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk with this, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for installing the cat flap.
If you are planning to install a cat flap into composite doors, you need to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you choose to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and hazardous task.
With composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will require extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same change in a uPVC or solid timber door.