Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, without you having to let him in or out. They can also help prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

Fitting a cat flap in the door panel made of upvc cat flap door panels is much easier than in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape and then use the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to enter the home and exit without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include drawings that show the location 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 a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure that you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start to cut along the line that you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this can make it cut faster than you'd like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. When you are happy window with cat flap 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 being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to do the work. It is an option, but you can do it yourself if the tools are right and the instructions are adhered to.

It is much easier to do on a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to harm the doors as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for a standard uPVC door, however you may require extra care if you are using an alternative kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient 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. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust can be dangerous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to do the job for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure to have sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

You should only remove the material required to create the cat flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material for the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and render it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap inside windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames it is necessary to speak with a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap fitting near me flap inside an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come anytime they want and let them relax in the house when they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have glass panels that can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if a drill is used on it. It's also a much safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home who might be injured by glass shards.