Cat flaps let your cat go in and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. Read the Full Content can also help prevent your cat from urinating inside the home.
It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll require some expertise and correct tools.
Measure the Door
Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the directions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.
The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.
If your kit has an illustration of where to drill, then put it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.
Set a square to make sure you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting a cat flap in your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.
While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end the warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door as these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place in the door where this measurement is within the range your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll need to mark the area with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.
Cut a Hole
Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not only be unsightly 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's position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.
You should only remove the material required to create the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the door frame.
A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.
If you're installing a cat flap into an upvc door or a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.
Install the Flap
Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it can be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own an glass panel that is cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not a matter of cutting an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that it is safe.
A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole in your door.
Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.
It's a good idea to choose circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer option as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly crucial if you have children or elderly people at home who could be injured by glass fragments.