Cat flaps let your cat go in and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.
It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some knowledge and right tools.
Take a measurement of the door
Fitting a cat door in a front door can be difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then, cat flap installation in glass doors near me 'll finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from rain and wind causing damage.
To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.
Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.
Use a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you must be cautious not to damage the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may need to take more care if using an alternative type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is 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'll need find a spot in the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll have to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.
After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it is best to hire an expert to do the job for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.
The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is properly placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready to smooth out any rough edges.
After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
It is best to only remove the material needed to create the flap. It is important to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.
If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with wall of the flap.
If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the house when they'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.
A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.
Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.
It's a good idea select a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.