Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the house.
It is much easier to put an animal flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the correct tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but as long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain causing damage.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will let you select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill then you can stick it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you own a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once cat flap install are happy with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.
This is much simpler to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors since this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or a different type of door, you may require more care.
The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area with a pencil and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you create will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.
Cut a hole
It isn't easy to install a cat flap into a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly 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 with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.
Wear any safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy an electric jigsaw that is quieter and more user-friendly.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
A upvc door may include a metal frame, or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to do this instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they'd like. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.
After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you pick, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass shattering.