Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from urinating in the home.
It is much easier to put a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will need some skills and the appropriate tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape using the jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, then put it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you penciled in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, putting the cat flap to your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are followed.
While this is much simpler when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you must be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.
The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have the information, you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil so that you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.
Make a hole
It can be difficult to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. how much to install a cat flap could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.
The first thing to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other components of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.
It is crucial to only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the door frame.
If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.
If you want to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's safe.
A composite door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of options, from simple push-button flaps to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially important if there are elderly or children living at home who might be injured by glass shattering.