Your cat and you can both benefit from having the cat flap inside your bifold door. It also helps to keep extreme hot or cold weather from entering your home.

The first step is to measure your pet to determine the size of the flap you will require. This will allow you to create a hole of appropriate for the flap.

Outdoor Access

Even those with no DIY skills can install a cat flap on an external back door. This will help you avoid the expense and hassle of hiring a handyman or carpenter to do the work for you.

The addition of a cat flap to your bifold doors allows you to allow your cat access to the patio or garden without having to open and close the door. This can help reduce issues with behavior such as avoidance of litter boxes boredom, destructiveness, and apathy which can occur when pets are restricted to the house for long periods. The flap lets cats engage in normal behavior, such as hunting or interacting with other animals. This can improve their mental and physical well-being.

Cat flaps can be put on all kinds of doors, however the most well-known option is a magnetic flap that can only be opened when it detects a microchip on your pet's collar. This will stop the rogue cats and animals from entering your home.

These cat flaps can be installed into uPVC, GRP or composite doors. If you have a modern set of energy efficient composite back doors, they are more weatherproof and secure compared to uPVC. Modifying them for a pet flap can be slightly more challenging than with a traditional uPVC door.

Before installing your cat flap, you should always read the included instructions. It will tell you the exact dimensions needed for your door, and also provide an inventory of all the equipment you'll need to complete the job. You will also require a tape measure, a pencil, a spirit level, and a drill equipped with a jigsaw-blade that can be used to cut the hole.

Having cut the opening for your new cat flap it is now time to put it in place it. The first step is to mark the screw holes using pencil on the flap where they will be placed on the door. Once the flap is put in place, use your spirit level to secure it securely to the door. Make the marks on the door and fix the flap in position using the bolts which should have come with it.

Security

The addition of a cat flap to your bifold doors is an excellent way to give your pet freedom to move around whenever it wants. It can also pose a security risk as other animals and felines could utilize the flap to gain entry into your home. There is a solution to this: a secure cat flap that allows you to lock the door manually or remotely. This will prevent unwanted critters entering your home, keeping your pet safe and preventing burglars making off with your valuables.

The security feature can be added to most cat flaps, including one called a SmartCat flap that recognizes the microchip of your pet and only allows them in. The lock is simple to operate, allowing you to choose whether you'd like to let your cat in or out manually or set it on battery-only mode which only works at night so that your cat can be inside without having to waste energy.

With the proper care and attention, it is possible to transform your bifold doors into French doors with a cat flap creating the perfect connection between indoor and outdoor living. This is a cost-effective and straightforward DIY project that you can complete yourself using only the bare minimum of materials and expert instructions to give your home a fresh new look without compromising the integrity of your existing doors or building the frame from scratch.

To install a cat flap in your bifold doors, you need to start by measuring the opening's size and then taking note of the frame, header and trim. Before making your order for the doors or installing the frame, you'll need to make sure that the gap between the frames and the doors is square and even.

You can also opt to include a cat flap within a glass pane inside your bifold door. This will help maintain their durability and thermal efficiency, while also adding an elegant, practical aspect. This option is ideal for homeowners who prefer the appearance of bifold doors, but need a bit of privacy for their home. It can be customized to fit all glass types.

Easy of Use

There are a number of advantages to incorporating the cat flap inside your bifold doors. Firstly, it will allow your cat to come and go freely throughout the day and night, without having to be let in or out by you. This will let your cat develop their independence and aid in their physical and mental wellbeing. It will also prevent them from being confined in extreme temperatures or while you are away.

You can also choose a model that has features like microchip recognition, or selective entry to ensure only your cat can use it. This will stop unwanted pests, such as rogue animals and cats from entering your home.

Professional installation is the best method to install your cat flap on your bifold door. This will ensure that the opening is perfectly aligned with the flap and that there are no damages or unattractive marks are caused to the door surface. Alternatively, you can fit the flap yourself, although this will require some DIY knowledge and the correct tools.

It is recommended to use a jigsaw when cutting the cat flap. Wear a mask so you don't breathe in sawdust. To avoid cutting too many times, it is best to work slowly and cautiously. It is also possible to cover any holes in the screw with blanking plugs once you've completed the installation. This will make it appear more professional.

Always read the instruction manuals that come with the cat flaps you buy. There are a few variations between the different types. The instructions will also include the size of the gap required and drilling and jigsawing directions. It is also a good idea to determine the thickness of your door, since some models are specifically designed to work with particular doors or building materials.

Doors made of wood, for instance are more difficult to work with than uPVC. It is important to be taken to ensure that the cat flap installed is compatible. Expertly-trained installers can make use of specialized equipment to make an exact opening for the flap without compromising the integrity of the door's structure.

Appearance

The incorporation of cat flaps in bifold doors demonstrates the ongoing advancement of modern design for homes that places emphasis on both aesthetics and functionality. By embracing these innovative features, you can improve your living experience and the comfort of your pet at the same time.

It is easy to install a cat flap in an entryway that has an open bottom. You can then fix the cat flap into your door without causing damage to its weather-tight seal. First, determine the thickness of the door and purchase a pet flap that is the correct size. Some flaps for cats come with a template, which makes the job easier. back door with cat flap fitted can use the templates to drill holes in the corners of the flap.

When you are installing a cat flap onto wood or uPVC, you could protect it further by coating the edges with a paint to prevent the rot and water damage. This will also protect your pet from cold if they're entering and exiting through the door during winter.

You can also buy a range of stylish barriers for your cat flap that will create an unobtrusive barrier that keeps your pet inside the house. Powder coating that is the same color as your door will create an uncluttered and neat appearance. This is what we did for our Orchard Road Project where the aluminium frame was powder coated to match colour of the pet doors and give a seamless appearance.

If you're planning to install a cat flap on a composite or uPVC the homeowner will require the assistance of a professional glazier. Modifying these doors could cause damage to their warranty and void their weather-proof seals. It is also impossible to install the pet door into a double-glazed glass door since it's not cut after the toughening process.
back door with cat flap fitted