Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is a lot easier than glass doors, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.
If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then place it on the door, and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure that you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to make sure you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. Installing back door with cat flap fitted on 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 job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
While this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an alternative kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security 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 it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.
After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is essential to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the cat 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 situation you'll need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. It is cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for this purpose.
Fit the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like and let them relax at home whenever they'd like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have glass panels which can be cut. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind door has a template you can use to make the hole.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models including basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.
It's a good idea to opt for a circular fitting 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 drills are used on it. It's also a much safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.