The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for your
cat flap installation cost near me to leave the house when needed.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy the cat flap, as there are different sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or too large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and take measurements of the width of the door in a variety of places along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
Get help from a glazier if you aren't sure how to measure the door. They can determine whether your door is suitable for
cat flaps and advise you on what size flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. For example, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole isn't too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and damage to the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of a cat flap on glass doors to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to install a
cat flaps for french doors-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap permits your pet to go and come whenever they like without having to leave them on their own. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't bad for you or your cat!
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 typically made of different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate 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 difficult to install a
cat flap installation flap into. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to beginning.
To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm so that they're not moving around too much. Once you've established their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should go. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you will need be extra cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause it to crack, especially if the area is toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming fragile. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
A high-quality cat flap comes with a template drawing that you can use to mark the location on your door where the hole needs to be. If it does not then you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape is drawn on the door, then use a spirit level to make sure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed for uPVC door use. It will typically be identified with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once the hole is made, place the flap section against it and then open it, making sure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it becomes stuck on any point, then use a file or rasp to fix it.
Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you're going to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to make room for the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.
The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have an ordinary solid uPVC door, and therefore will not have to worry about any of these problems. However, if your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could increase the difficulty of the task.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is essential to get it right as getting it wrong could damage the door and void the warranty.
Install the Flap
Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check whether it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to file them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.
Some kits include a template for this but even if yours doesn't provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and mark the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put it in the correct position.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it's best to hire an expert. 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, but it is important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner before you do so because any changes to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly hazardous task.
When you have composite doors, you'll typically require a grinder or saw to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to not damage the door. It is important to note that it's more difficult to create holes in door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.