Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, without you needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the home.
Installing a cat flap on the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the appropriate tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat door into a front door can be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. cat flap installers near me repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this can cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without worrying about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are right and the directions are adhered to.
Although this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors, as this can end your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it will fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using a composite or other kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place on the door where this measurement will fall within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Cut a Hole
It can be a challenge to put a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.
Mark the hole position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is essential to only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than that can cause problems or damage the doors frame.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the walls of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have glass panels that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling an opening in the door. You'll also need to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.
After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck in the rain.
It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass shattering.