Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want without you needing to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat from urinating in the house.

It is much easier to put a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some knowledge and right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in a door can be tricky however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will show you how to draw the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the area in the door and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will enable you to 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 the location on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.

Then put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When 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 a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you should be cautious not to damage the doors, as this can invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough when you have an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if you have a composite door cat flap or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate 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 with a pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you create will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's 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 rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to fit the cat flap fitters flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A botched job could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is properly positioned and aligns with the door's other parts. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on hand for any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install an animal flap to the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you'll need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to fit a cat flap inside an existing pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own an glass panel that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to add a cat flap to the doors. It's not just a matter of cutting a hole into the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically includes a template that you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat flap install is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and hurt your pet or your family members. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.