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 in the house.
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 right tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far in either direction.
If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then stick it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure that you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.
Put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you have the right 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 damage the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you might have to be more cautious.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've cut the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.
Make a hole
The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have an expert to complete the task for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.
cat flap fitting Repair My Windows And Doors to do is draw the location of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.
You should only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're looking to install a cat flap inside a double-glazed or upvc 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 the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and let them relax at home whenever they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly in the absence of a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit a cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door though and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people in your home who could be injured by glass shattering.