Cat flaps allow your pet leave and come at their own pace, without you 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 door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat door cat flap In upvc door panel in a front door can be difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape, using the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap installation bristol flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Set a square to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. Once you are happy with this, you are able to start removing the rest of the door material. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting to those who haven't tried it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in upvc door panel with cat flap doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This isn't too difficult when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area using a pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require a jigsaw and it is essential to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to put an animal flap on a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when the cat is inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with the power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which 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 is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than this can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc door panel replacement cat flap could contain a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the 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 in upvc Door panel flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It will be much cheaper to have this done 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 let your pet come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house when they want to. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut for one. If you're able to buy and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panel with cat flap uPVC panel, then it's possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to make sure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models that range from simple button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that only let in your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap without becoming trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea choose a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home who might be injured by glass shards.