Cat flaps let your cat flap in upvc door panel go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy however, as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, using an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then complete the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing to do is measure the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is large enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and exit without needing 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, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has sill or moulding on the bottom of it ensure that you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you penciled in, don't try to push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut more quickly than you want it to. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check whether you're cutting in the right way and also to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. Many people call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in upvc door panel with cat flap fitted doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this will cause damage to your warranty. First, you need to take measurements of the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need locate a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil so you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.

After you've marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to be patient and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap glass door installation near me flap will fit easily.

Cut 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 skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when it is inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs in a straight line with the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth any edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is important that you only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material is required to increase the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and in this case you will need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into windows made of double-glazed or upvc with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass that has the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not just a matter of slicing an opening in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it's time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.