Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house at will is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they'd like without needing to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home too!

You should measure 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 to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it could be too small or too large and your cat will be unable to use it.

Before you take any action, though, use a ruler to determine the width of the door in several places along its edge. You should also determine the height of the door in a few places. 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!

If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who does this type of work regularly. They will be able to assist you in determining whether not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap you should purchase.

Once you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the shape of the hole in the door. This will assist you when you cut the hole, and will save you money!

You must also ensure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. If you're installing the cat flap onto an outdoor door, it's crucial that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.

It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap on the glass door to a professional glazier. It isn't easy to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without having to leave them on their own. It can also stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for either you or your cat!

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it could be fitting a cat flap challenge to put in the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in a upvc door an egress flap to your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they may be difficult to fit an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to take a measurement of their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This location can be marked on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you will need be extra cautious. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap into a pane of glass. This will prevent the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A Glazier is also capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A good cat flap should come with a template that can be used to mark the spot on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you can make one using the thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to be properly seated in the opening and prevent it being in a position to slide open or close.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to ensure that the flap moves easily. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to correct this.

Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. 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. You should be cautious not to scratch them during the process.

The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not be dealing with any of these issues. However, if your door is constructed of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could make it more difficult to complete the job.

For these types of jobs, it is worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Place the Flap

After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to see whether it opens easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper, to file them down until they are able to fit and open without difficulty. Make sure the flap is flush with the door.

If your tool doesn't have a template, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw holes will be used to secure the flap in place.

The majority of uPVC doors are solid and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is made of GRP or composite however, it could be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They can also advise you on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be messy and even dangerous.

You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through wall cat flap composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It is important to note that it is much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.