Cat flaps let your cat go in and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the home.

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is how much to install a cat flap easier than in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat door in a front back door with cat flap fitted can be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing you need to do is measure the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far either way.

If your kit comes with an illustration of where to drill, then place it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin to cut along the line you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard because this could cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. However, installing an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you have the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

While this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end your warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be simple enough if you are using an ordinary upvc door panel replacement cat flap door, however you might need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this, you will be required to mark the area using an eraser and a spirit level to ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

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

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to install an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is probably best to get a professional in to do the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you're installing a cat flap into the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame then you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap in it. It is much less expensive to have this done than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to come and go anytime they want and let them relax in the house when they like. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're able to purchase and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.

A composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. However, regardless of what kind of cat flap you pick, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.

It is a good idea to choose a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and hurt your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.