Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the right tools.

Measure the Door

fitting a cat flap in a upvc door a cat door in a front door can be difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the correct one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and fitting cat Flap in upvc door panel protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, 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 each time, but also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far either way.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with drawings that show where to drill. If yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it ensure that you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard as this will make it cut faster than you would like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting Cat Flap in upvc door panel the cat flap fitting flap to your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

This is much simpler to do with doors made of wood, however it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you must examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, but you may need to take extra care if you are using an alternative kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and fitting cat flap in upvc door panel the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate an area on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust could be harmful to 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 will fit easily.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge 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 likely to be best to have an expert to complete the task for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and is flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc door panels with cat flap and has a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case you'll need 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 a cat flap insulation flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own glass panels that can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, upvc cat flap door panels, or GRP door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drilling is applied to it. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children living at home who could be hurt by glass shards.