fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap can seem intimidating, but it is fairly simple to install with the proper instructions. Decide how high you'd like your cat flap to be (normally it's at the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template as a reference to drill.

If you have a small kitten, prop the door slightly open and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it moves through.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy as it ensures that it is exercising regularly and also be able to go back inside when it is stranded in the elements during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you have to let your cat out or in and also make your home safe by letting you know when it has left.

However, it is essential that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly and the size of the doorway at your home to ensure that the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the position of your flap in case your cat is taller or less than average.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. With the markings as a guideline, you can use the jigsaw and cut the form of the flap inside the door. Once you've cut the space, sand down the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces and drill any fixing holes that are needed.

The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. The process can be slightly more challenging if you need to put it in a uPVC door or composite one. This is because composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which can affect the way holes are cut. This is the reason we recommend calling a professional to complete the work, particularly if you have never worked with glass before.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap will save you from listening to your pet meow for you to let it in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat is in the house waiting for you to get home regardless of the weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. It may seem like a simple task, but it's important to get the measurements right. If not, your cat might find it difficult to use.

First, ensure that your cat is calm before taking measurements. You'll need to hold them in a manner that they cannot move and ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body and not arching in any places. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from their head to the bottom of their tail can allow you to determine an precise measurement.

Once you have your cat's measurements, it's time to look at the door to decide the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to place the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as it will allow them to pass through it without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.

It is also important to consider the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. While timber doors are of a similar thickness, upvc door panel with cat flap fitted and composite doors are different in their overall design and can make fitting cat flap in upvc door panel the cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

You can also use the template included in the instructions to mark the position of the opening on the door. This will enable you to determine where the hole must be placed and ensure that the template is positioned properly on the door. It is also helpful to utilize a spirit-level to make sure that the template is placed perfectly against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door's panel to make a space big enough for it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of a professional cat flap fitting service for this job if you don't have the knowledge or skills to complete the task yourself. It is also recommended that you read the instructions included with the cat flap kit to learn how to do this correctly.

You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. A good guideline is to put the flap around 10-15 centimeters from the ground as this is approximately the average height of the cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap easily and make it more difficult for other cats and nosy neighbours to get inside or out.

Once you have determined the best location for the cat flap to be placed, mark this location on the door using a pencil. If your kit comes with a template for paper, place it on top of the door and use the markings to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

You can install your cat flap yourself on a wood or uPVC door if you are confident with the use of a Jigsaw. Be cautious not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a square or a circle according to the way you'd like it. Be patient and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap of cat food into its new location and make sure that it is securely fixed. If the flap has screws, push them onto the protruding bolts. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and apply sealant to any gaps. This will block the entry of draughts into your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in the front of the door. You can also try pushing the cat with sticks or your hand. Once your pet is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able in and out as it wants, so you can let it in or out without having to be there keeping the door open for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).

It is possible to install the flap inside the UPVC doors or glass door, however it may not be as easy as installing one on a wooden external door. This is due to the fact that the doors made of UPVC and some kinds of glass doors do not have a uniform thickness. This can have a dramatic effect on the way you cut the hole for the flap and could affect the way your flap fits correctly once it's been installed.

The mounting kit may include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't include the template, you can photocopy it to create your own. When cutting, it's crucial to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too to the point that you create a larger hole than necessary in your door.

Most cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a round flap, ensure that the hole is in the correct place on the door. Otherwise, the cat might not be able to access it, and may be locked outside for the entire day (or at night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you regulate when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful for pets who are afraid of leaving in the dark or coming back inside at night. They can also be helpful for those who work all day. Certain locks can be used for entrance or exit, while others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to go outside in bad weather.