Cat flaps let your cat go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, then place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure that you have clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin removing the remaining door material. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the hole 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 way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. However, fitting cat flap in upvc door panel an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, leading many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is much simpler with fitting a cat flap timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can accommodate the new cat flap. This isn't too difficult if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if using an insulated or composite 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 amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your fitting cat flap in upvc door panel's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area using a pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that the cat flap will fit easily into place.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to install an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the job yourself, but unless have experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional to do the job for Fitting cat flap in upvc door panel you. A botched job could not only look ugly and unattractive, but could also be an security risk. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly positioned and that it runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready for any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the flap but removing more than that can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not come into contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done, it is essential to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window cat flap with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flaps for french doors flap inside an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. However, if you have a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, particularly if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap installer flap to these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has an extremely thin 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 damaging. This type of door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit various models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea choose circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and hurt your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home who might be injured by glass shards.