Last Updated on 2nd September 2024 by Ian Richardson
Composite Door with a Cat Flap :Are you a proud cat owner looking for a stylish, secure front door that gives your feline friend the freedom they crave? Look no further! Solidor composite doors with built-in cat flaps offer the perfect blend of aesthetics, security, and convenience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about choosing a Solidor composite door with a cat flap—from design options to installation tips. Whether you’re renovating your home or simply want to give your cat more independence, we’ve got you covered!
Why Choose a Solidor Composite Door with a Cat Flap?
Your home deserves a door that’s as practical as it is beautiful. With Solidor, you don’t have to compromise. Here’s why a composite door with a built-in cat flap is an excellent choice for pet owners:
- Top-Notch Security: Solidor doors are renowned for their robust construction and advanced locking systems, so you can rest easy knowing your home is protected.
- Energy Efficiency: Keep your home cozy with a door that offers superior insulation, helping to reduce energy bills.
- Low Maintenance: Say goodbye to warping, swelling, and fading—composite doors require minimal upkeep.
- Customisation Galore: With a wide range of colours, styles, and hardware options, you can design a door that perfectly complements your home’s exterior.
- Pet-Friendly: The built-in cat flap allows your cat easy access while maintaining the door’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
Popular styles include:
- Classic Cottage: A timeless design, perfect for period properties.
- Modern Slab: Sleek and minimalist design.
- Victorian: Elegant and ornate design.
- Stable Door: A unique option allowing you to open the top half while keeping the bottom closed.
And don’t worry—adding a cat flap won’t compromise your door’s style. Each design can be customised with a variety of colours, glazing options, and hardware choices to create a truly bespoke entrance.
How to Order
Ordering a Solidor composite door with a built in cat flap hole is a straightforward process:
- Browse our Solidor website or visit our showroom to explore all available styles.
- Choose your preferred door design, colour, and hardware options.
- Contact our team and let us know you require a built in cat flap hole.
- Provide your measurements.
- Submit your order and await confirmation.
- Once receiving confirmation, you’ll also receive delivery/ installation information too.
Don’t forget to consider your cat’s size when confirming your cat flap hole size.
Why Choose a Solidor Composite Door with a Cat Flap
There are several compelling reasons to opt for a Solidor composite door with a built in cat flap hole:
- Security: Solidor doors are known for their robust construction and advanced locking systems, providing excellent security for your home.
- Energy Efficiency: The composite material offers superior insulation, helping to reduce energy bills and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
- Low Maintenance: Unlike wooden doors, composite doors resist warping, swelling, and fading, requiring minimal upkeep.
- Customisation: With a wide range of colours, styles, and hardware options, you can create a door that perfectly complements your home’s exterior.
- Pet-Friendly: The built-in cat flap hole means you can add your cat flap easily and eliminates the need for separate pet entrances, maintaining the door’s overall aesthetics and structural integrity.
- Durability: Solidor composite doors are designed to withstand heavy use and harsh weather conditions, ensuring longevity.
- Noise Reduction: The dense composite material helps to minimise outside noise, creating a quieter home environment.
Solidor Door Pricing
The cost of a Solidor composite door varies depending on several factors:
- Door style and size
- Chosen colour and finish
- Glazing options
- Hardware selections
- Size of cat flap hole
While prices typically range from £1,000 to £2,500, it’s best to request a personalised quote for an accurate estimate. Remember that investing in a high-quality door with a built in cat flap hole can add value to your home and provide long-term benefits in terms of security, energy efficiency, and convenience.
Get an Instant Solidor Quote
To make the process even easier, we offer an instant Solidor online quoting tool. Simply follow these steps:
- Visit our Solidor website.
- Navigate to the Solidor Door Designer and “Get an instant price” section.
- Enter your door specifications, including style, colour, and hardware option.
- Provide basic contact information.
- Receive your instant quote via email.
This quick and convenient service allows you to explore various options and budget accordingly before making a final decision.
If you would like a composite door with a built in cat flap hole, just let our sales team know and they will add this to your order at a fixed rate of just £35.
Living with Your Solidor Cat Flap Door: Tips and Tricks
Once your Solidor composite door with a cat flap is installed, here are some handy tips to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your feline friend:
- Training Your Cat: Some cats take to a new flap instantly, while others need a little encouragement. Start by propping the flap open and using treats or toys to coax your cat through. Gradually close the flap over time as they get used to it.
- Maintenance and Cleaning: Keep the flap and surrounding area clean with a mild, pet-safe detergent. Regularly check the flap’s seal to ensure it closes properly and lubricate hinges if necessary.
- Weather Considerations: Solidor cat flaps are designed to withstand various weather conditions. In colder months, the flap’s tight seal helps prevent drafts. During extreme weather, use the locking feature to keep the flap secure.
- Multi-Pet Households: If you have multiple pets, consider microchip-activated flaps that only open for registered animals. For homes with dogs, install the flap at a height that’s accessible to cats but not dogs.
- Smart Integration: Some cat flaps offer smart features like smartphone control or integration with home security systems—great for peace of mind when you’re away.
Training Your Cat
Introducing your cat to the new flap may require some patience:
- Start by propping the flap open and encouraging your cat to pass through with treats.
- Gradually close the flap over time, teaching your cat to push it open.
- Consider using your cat’s favourite toys or food to create positive associations with the flap.
- Be patient – some cats may take days or weeks to fully adapt.
Cat flaps can only be fitted to Solidor composite doors that have a flush panel.
Maintenance and Cleaning
Regular maintenance ensures your cat flap functions properly:
- Clean the flap and surrounding area weekly with a mild, pet-safe detergent.
- Check the flap’s seal regularly to ensure it closes properly.
- Lubricate hinges if necessary, using a pet-safe lubricant.
- Inspect for any wear and tear, especially if you have multiple or larger cats.
Weather Considerations
Solidor cat flaps are designed to withstand various weather conditions:
- The flap’s tight seal helps prevent drafts in colder months.
- During extreme weather, consider using the locking feature to prevent the flap from blowing open.
- In hot weather, ensure the flap isn’t too warm for your cat’s paws by checking it regularly.
Multi-Pet Households
Managing access for multiple pets can be tricky:
- Consider microchip-activated flaps that only open for registered pets.
- Use collar-activated flaps if your pets wear collars consistently.
- For households with dogs, install the flap at a height accessible to cats but not dogs.
Smart Integration
Some advanced cat flaps offer smart features:
- Look for flaps that can be controlled via smartphone apps.
- Consider models that track your cat’s ins and outs.
- Some flaps can be integrated with home security systems for added peace of mind.
Enhancing Home Security
While Solidor doors are secure, take extra precautions with a cat flap:
- Always use the locking feature when you’re away for extended periods.
- Consider installing motion-sensor lighting near the door.
- Ensure your home insurance provider is aware of the cat flap installation.
Energy Efficiency Tips
Maximise energy savings with these tips:
- Use the locking feature during extreme temperatures to maintain indoor climate.
- Consider adding a draft excluder around the cat flap for extra insulation.
- Regularly check the flap’s seal to ensure it’s closing properly and not letting air in or out.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Solidor composite door with a cat flap remains a convenient, secure, and energy-efficient addition to your home.
If you’re in need of a composite door with a cat flap, please contact our team on 01642 309571.
FAQs about Solidor Composite Doors with Cat Flaps
Can I add a cat flap to an existing Solidor door? While possible, it’s not recommended as it may void the warranty. It’s best to order a new door with a built-in cat flap hole.
Will a cat flap compromise my door’s security? Not at all! With a high-quality composite door and cat flap, your door’s security remains intact.
How long does Solidor installation take? Typically, installation takes 4-6 hours, depending on the complexity of the job.
Can I match my new Solidor door with existing windows? Absolutely! Solidor offers a wide range of colours and finishes to complement your home’s existing features.
How long is the warranty on Solidor doors with cat flaps? Solidor provides a comprehensive 10-year guarantee on their composite doors, including those with integrated cat flaps.