Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.
The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill then you can put it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to check that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When 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 having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. Fitting cat flap fitters near me to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.
While this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you must measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have the standard uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using an insulated or composite type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place on the door that will be within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask whenever working with the jigsaw as inhaling the sawdust could be hazardous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be 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 position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.
You should only remove the material required to create the flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.
If you're looking to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically has a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
A circular fitting is superior than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.