Cat flaps allow your pet come and go at their own pace without you needing to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating in the home.

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

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will help you draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap installation flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door each time, but it is also small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually this is done with an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Set a square to ensure that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the remaining door material. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet go inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much simpler to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors because this will cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard upvc door panel replacement cat flap panel, this should be easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might have to be more cautious.

Next, you will need to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach, and you will need to find a spot in the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area using an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it is time to make the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, as dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you'll have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap can be fitted easily in place.

Cut a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw 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 parallel to the other parts of the door. It is important to have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

You should only remove the material needed to create the cat flap cost 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 issues or even damage to the frame of the door.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap inside a upvc or double-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already made for the cat flap. It is cheaper to do this than to attempt to fix the cat flap onto an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true in the event that you don't own a glass panel that is cut. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when drilled. It's also a safer option to use as you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children at home who could be hurt by glass fragments.