Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want without having to let him in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in 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 however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be a problem. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's opening and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and shields the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.
To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.
Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.
Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you've drawn in, but don't press the blade too hard as this could cause it to cut faster than you would like it to. If you have 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 satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.
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 to keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. A lot of people will hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.
It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.
The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Make cat flap in bifold doors can be a challenge to put an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to do it yourself, but unless have expertise in DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.
The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material that is required to create the flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this could cause issues and damage the doors frame.
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 to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the wall of the flap.
If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap inside. This is less expensive than fitting a cat flap in an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own glass panels which can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit an animal flap onto these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling a hole into the door. It is also necessary to perform a few steps to ensure it's safe.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.
After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat is able to utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck in bad weather.
A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.