Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc is a lot easier than a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

The installation of a cat flap inside a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine upvc door panel with cat flap fitted of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill, you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you can begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.

It is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors since this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. Ongoing isn't too difficult if you are using a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using an alternative type of door as these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a spot on the door where this measurement is within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is essential to take your time to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw, since breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. If fitting cat flap in upvc door panel 're not experienced in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the door's other parts. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.

It is important that you only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to do this than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they feel like it. However, if you own a uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as cutting a hole through the door though and there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flap you pick, it's vital that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.
upvc door panel with cat flap fitted