Allowing your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house whenever it wants to.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap fitting flap allows your pet to move around as they want without having to open the door. This is a great way to keep your pet inside the home when you are away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from entering.

You should examine the door's measurements to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your door made of upvc. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small, and your cat could have trouble using it.

Before you do anything however, you should use a ruler to take measurements of the length of the door in various places along its edges. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to do an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they want to use the flap!

If you're not sure how to measure the door, it could be best to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this type of work regularly. They can determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to buy.

When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the outline of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the future!

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

If you have a glass door it is best to let this job to a glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to move around whenever they want without needing to leave them to themselves. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't good for you or your cat.

If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install the cat flap. These types of doors are typically made from different materials than standard wooden or upvc cat flap door panels doors, and the installation process is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing 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, with insulation. This makes them more resistant to weather elements than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to fit an animal flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap fitters flap on a uPVC door or composite.

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

If your uPVC or composite door cat flap door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need to be very careful when cutting it with power tools. Drilling into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. A Glazier will also be in a position to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your double glazing cat flap to use.

Cut the Hole

If not however, you can make one yourself with a sheet of thin paper (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 ideal). After the shape is drawn on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to sit properly in the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or close.

Then, you can use your jigsaw and cut out the design that was written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is 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 made and the flap is placed against it and then open it to ensure that the flap is moving smoothly. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to fix it.

Make sure there aren't any electric or gas pipes within the door you plan to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Also, be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door that have to be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be cautious not to scratch these objects in the process.

The majority of people who install a cat flap themselves will have a standard solid uPVC door, and therefore won't have to deal with any of these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative part that isn't easily removed, this will complicate the job.

For these kinds of jobs, it is important to get advice from a cat flap fitter. It is essential to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. It is essential to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and void the warranty.

Install the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, put the flap and check whether it opens and fits. If you notice any spots that catch or stick, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.

If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or acetate. 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 at each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw holes will be used to secure it in place.

Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this then it may be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the job for you. They can also tell you if your door is suitable to install an animal flap.

It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to carry out the work yourself, be aware that it can be messy and hazardous task.

You'll need an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This is a potentially dangerous job, and you will have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It is important to note that it's more difficult to make the door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.