Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

Installing a cat flap into a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too much trouble. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

If your kit has a drawing showing where to drill, then place it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and these elements.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to begin removing the rest of the door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature of your home steady. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is far simpler when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will end your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a place on the door where this measurement is within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat flap install.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth instead of uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust mask at all times when using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting process, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Make a hole

It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with an electric tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.

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

If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap cover for winter flap. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a upvc door panel cat flap front door, it can be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not a matter of cutting an opening in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure it's secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.

A circular Fitting Cat Flap In Upvc Door Panel is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.