Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.
Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the right tools.
Measure the Door
Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.
The first step is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, then stick it on the door, and then 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 these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line that you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a proper rectangle shape, once you are happy with this you can begin to take off 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 a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home stable. However, installing the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.
It is much easier to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information you'll need to mark out the area with pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight instead of rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap can be fitted easily in place.
Make a hole
Installing a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing to do is mark the position of the hole in the door using a pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is located and is flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.
Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is essential to only cut away the material required to make the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues 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 case you'll need make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is much less expensive to do this instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be hard to install the cat flap. cat flap fitting near me is especially true when you don't have a glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.
A composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.
A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass shattering.