Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the home.
It is simpler to install an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll need some skills and the correct tools.
Measure the Door
The installation of a cat flap in a front door could be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, but also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with drawings that show where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, but don't push the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
It is much easier to accomplish on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to fit the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. After cat flap installer near me have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a hole
It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also a security risk as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
Mark the hole's position on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is important that you only cut away the material needed to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.
If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be cheaper than fitting a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to make sure it's secure.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.
It is a good idea to choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards glass.