Allowing your cat to enter and go out of the house at their own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can aid in reducing accidents due to toilets by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.

Take a measurement of the door

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

It is important to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap since there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or too large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.

Use a ruler to measure the width at several locations along the edge of the door. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because doors that are too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!

Get help from a glazier in case you're not sure what to measure for the door. They'll be able help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to purchase.

Draw the shape of the hole on your door once you have the measurements. This will give you an idea of how much to install a cat flap to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the future!

It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. If you're fitting a cat flap in a upvc door (Highly recommended Reading) the cat flap onto the patio door, it is important that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or problems with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the installation of the cat flap onto the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into an existing pane of glass and you might discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap permits your pet to go and come whenever they like without having to leave them to themselves. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which is not good for your cat as well as you.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are made from different materials, and the way they are installed is different. Before you decide to install a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.

In general, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable and have insulation built-in. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other doors, but they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.

To make sure that your cat can pass through the door, you'll need to determine their height. This will be easiest if they are sleeping or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height, measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. This location can be marked on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) it is important to be extremely cautious when cutting it with power tools. The act of drilling into the metal may cause cracks, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap in a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming hard. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper that is thin (tracing paper is the best choice). 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 has already been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.

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

Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Also, be aware of any handles or other fittings on the door which will need to be removed to fit the cat flap. Be cautious not to damage these items in the process.

The majority of people who install the cat flap themselves have a standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these problems. But, if your door is made from timber or has decorative panels that cannot be removed, it will make it more difficult to complete the task.

It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs because it is essential to do them done right to avoid possible issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could result in the door becoming damaged, which could cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Install the Flap

Once you've got the hole drilled, place the flap on to check whether it is able to open easily. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.

Some kits come with an example of this, however, if it doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something like tracing paper ideally. Place the paper on the door, and draw a line in order to indicate the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Make four screw holes on every corner of the flap using the pencil marks you created on the door. These will be the screw points that you'll need to use to fix it in place.

Most upvc door panel replacement cat flap doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not comfortable with this, it is best to hire an expert. They can also advise you on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you are planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, you need to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, remember that this could be messy and dangerous job.

You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. Be aware that this could be extremely dangerous work and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself since it is very fragile. It's worth noting that it is much more difficult to cut the door glass cat flap installation near me than in a uPVC door or a solid wood door.