cat flap installation bristol flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace, without you needing to let them in or out. They also help prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is much easier to put an animal flap on a upvc panel than a glass one, but you will require some knowledge and right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap installer flap on the door isn't easy however, 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 difficult. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will enable you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

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 a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home stable. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.

While this is much simpler with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you need to be very cautious not to damage the doors, as this can cause damage to your warranty. The first step is to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if using a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to comfortably pass through. Once you know this then you need to mark out the area using a pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Cut a Hole

It isn't easy to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have plenty of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire an expert to complete the job for you. A botched job could not only be ugly but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when the window cat flap is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you'll need to use the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to make the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage to the frame of the door.

A door made of upvc may include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap. If this is done it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you are fitting an animal flap to an upvc door panels with cat flap door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own an glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models including basic push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It is a good idea to select a circular fitting Cat Flap in upvc door panel rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.