Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house if required.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the house when you're away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests out of your.

It's important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for the door you have. In the event that it is not, it could be too large or small, and your cat could have difficulty using it.

Before you do anything, though, use a ruler to measure the width of the door in a variety of locations along its edge. Also, you should determine the door's height in a couple of places. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it wants to use the flap.

If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it may be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who performs this type of work regularly. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or your door is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to purchase.

Draw the outline of the hole on your door after you have taken your measurements. This will aid you when you cut the hole and will save you money!

Make sure to put the hole in the correct location. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in a patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the task of installing a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be a challenge to install a cat flap into the glass pane and you might be surprised to 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 like without having to leave them home alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't healthy for you or your cat flap double glazing.

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made 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 that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

These doors are generally designed to last and are tough, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, however they can be difficult to fit a cat flap into. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner prior to starting.

You'll have to measure their height to make sure they fit through the door. This is easier when they're sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be outlined on the door.

If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you need be extra cautious. Drilling into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside the glass pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your kitty to use.

Cut the Hole

A high-quality cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the location on your door where the hole should be. If it isn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). Once the shape has been drawn on the door, you can then use a spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the door, and it will not open or close.

Then, employ a jigsaw for cutting out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. After the hole has been cut and the flap is placed against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds at any point, use a filer or rasp to fix this.

Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're planning to cut through. Your jigsaw could cause damage to them. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed in order to install the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during this process.

Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid upvc door panel with cat flap door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. However, if your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed then this will increase the difficulty of the task.

It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential problems in the future. It is important to get it right, as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

After you've cut your hole, put the flap and check if it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure the flap sits perfectly flush with the door.

Some kits come with a template for this however, if it doesn't, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Make four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to fix the flap to the door.

Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar in this area, it might be beneficial to engage an expert to complete the work for you. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.

It is possible to install a cat flap into composite door cat flap doors but it's important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so since any modifications to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to do the work yourself, keep in mind that it could be a messy job and could be dangerous.

You'll require an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors more than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take great care not to harm the door or yourself as it's extremely fragile. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any type of glass for a door is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid timber door.