The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house at will is a great method 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.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to go and come whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal for keeping them in the home when you're away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!

It is important to measure the door before you purchase a cat flap since there are different sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the right size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may be unable to use it.

Before doing anything however, you should use a ruler to measure the length of the door in a variety of places along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too tall will make your cat do a gymnast routine every time it is tempted to use the flap.

Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They'll be able assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and advise you on the right size of flap you should purchase.

Draw the outline of the hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid 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. If you're fitting the cat flap onto the patio door, it is crucial that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.

It is best to delegate the job of installing a cat flap on glass doors to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into an existing glass pane and you could find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap fitters near me flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without having to leave him on his own. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat flap cost!

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit a cat flap. These doors are made from different materials and the installation is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can cause warranty issues.

These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other doors, but they can be a challenge to insert a cat flap into. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.

To ensure that your cat is able to pass through the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, sinst it and push it out to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds on any points then make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.

Check that there aren't any electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that will have to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them during the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, it will make the task.

For these types of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid problems in the future. Getting it wrong can result in the door becoming damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Fit the Flap

After you've cut your hole, place the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you find any points that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure that the flap is flush with the door.

Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Lay the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw holes you'll need to use to fix the flap to the door.

Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite, this can be more complicated. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to do the job for you. They will also be able to provide you with advice on whether or not your door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, be aware that this can be a messy and potentially dangerous job.

You'll need a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a risky job, and you will require extra care to not damage the door. It is important to note that it's much more difficult to create the door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.