Introduce upvc door panel with cat flap fitted to the flap prior to the installation so that they can be familiar with the dimensions and shape. Open the flap and let them explore it from every angle.

Ensure the cut-out is even and square. Mark the screw holes on your door and align them with the opening for the cat flap - the distance between the edges should be equal.

Preparation

Installing a cat flap inside your home can be beneficial to the health and well-being of your pet. This is because it allows the pet to move freely between indoors and outside without you having to allow them to enter or exit. It can also stop them fighting over the litter box and cat food or even the entrance to the house.

Set up the area where you plan to install your cat flap prior to when you begin. This is because removing any obstructions from the area will make it easier to work. Also, you should remove any furniture and decorations that could hinder your installation.

You will be required to mark and measure the area where you intend to install the cat flap. This will help you avoid making a mistake which could damage your door or wall. In the ideal scenario, you'll want to put the cat flap in a place that is easy for your cats but that won't harm the strength of the structure of your home.

The cat flap can be placed in a door that leads to a locked space like your laundry room or closet. This will stop the cat from jumping over it and will allow you to keep the cats safe from any possible dangers. The cat flap should be low enough for the smallest cat to use, as larger cats might struggle to climb over a flap that is higher.

If you have an open patio door that slides or an old-fashioned windows with sash, it might be an ideal idea to hire an expert handyman for the job. Installing a cat flap in these windows and doors can be a challenge, and mistakes can lead to expensive damage. A professional will be able to put in the cat flap safely and without harming the structural strength of the door or window.

To mark the space to place the cat flap, you'll need a ruler or tape measure to determine your cat's belly height from the floor. This will enable you to precisely cut the opening for the cat flap. Use a spirit level once you've marked the line to ensure it is horizontal. After that, read the instructions included with your cat flap kit to locate the template drawing. Attach the template to the door so that the bottom edge is in line with the horizontal lines that you've drawn. The template should be placed in the middle of your door.

Measurement

A cat flap, also known as pet door is a small opening at the bottom of your external doors or windows that allows pets to leave and enter the home. They come in various sizes and materials, so you can pick the right one for your house and pets.

Before you purchase a cat flap it's important to measure precisely the size of your doors or window where you intend to install it. This way you can ensure that the hole will to be of the correct size and that the cat flap will fit. One method is to block off a section of the door and try to walk through it with your pet. This will give you an accurate picture of the opening size (width).

It is also advisable to take the height of your cat from the floor to the lowest part on their belly. This will ensure that the flap is placed at the right place for your cat to feel at ease. If it's too low, they might struggle to pass through and if it's high, they might not be able to use the flap in any way.

Generally you should aim to drill your holes at a 45 degree angle to the vertical surface. This will provide the most secure and stable fixings for your cat flap installation. If the cat flap kit you purchased didn't include a spirit level, a straight edge could be used instead.

It is best to have a professional glazier install the cat flap on a UPVC or glass window or door. These doors are usually toughened and drilling could cause damage to their structure and cause them to shatter. This could create a security threat for your home.

Installing a cat flap on the brick wall could be problematic, too, because drilling into a soft area of the wall, this could cause problems with pipes and cables that go through the property. This could lead to costly repairs and leaks, as well as weather damage from outside.

Marking

Once you've measured your cat kitten to determine the appropriate size flap for them then you need to mark where the hole should go. Utilizing your spirit level to ensure it is flush with the door, and then mark the centre point. If the template you've chosen for the cat flap doesn't include an outline of the centre line, you can photocopy it and draw around it with pencil to mark the location where the hole must be cut.

Remember, if your cat's flap is too low, it can make it difficult for your cat to get into and out of the house, and if it's too high, they could be unable to see what's going on outside. It is best to try to make it as close to your cat's belly as possible to allow them the most comfort and security.

You also want to be aware not to put the cat flap too close to the frame of a solid wall, as it can lead to problems with draughts, damp and stability. It is recommended to seek out professional assistance in case you're not familiar with the masonry.

Next you should prop the door open and encourage your cat or kitten to go through it by showing them where to go (it helps if there's someone in the room to encourage them). Once they've made it through then you can begin letting them go in and out as you please.

It's crucial to not force your cat or kitten through the flap in a hurry because this could result in them becoming scared. The clunk and snap squeak of the door closing may cause harm to your kitten or cat. They'll be more terrified if their tail gets trapped in the flap. Cats are also known to return home to look for intruders. Leaving the door open could be risky. Your cat could be attacked by a cat they know. This is why it's recommended to install an uninspiring cat flap and only if your cat knows to use it.

Installation

Once the cat flap is in place It is crucial to teach your cat to use it. It may take some time but with patience and a few treats to entice them to do it, they will eventually get the habit of it. Install a lock on the cat flap if your pet needs extra security, particularly in the event of bad weather or you're away from home.

The first thing to decide the location you'd like to place the cat flap inside your door. This will need to be in a location that opens onto a sheltered area of your garden. This will help your cat feel more secure when they leave and enter the house. It can also stop other animals from entering your home.

Another thing to consider is the height you'd like to place the flap for your cat at. It should be in the same area as the measurement of your cat's belly, to ensure that they can pass through with ease. You can also place steps on either side of the entrance to help your cat pass through.

Once you have decided where you would like to place the cat flap Measure the door and mark it with the pencil. This will give you an idea of the best place to cut. You will then need to cut a square into the door using a jigsaw. It is recommended to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask while doing this, as inhaling the dust could be harmful to your health. Once the square is cut and trimmed, you must sand the edges of the door to smooth the edges.

Once you've finished sanding, you can now replace the cat flap in your door. The cat flap should be installed so that the lock, if there's one, is on the inside of your door. If there are holes for screws for the cat flap on the door, now drill these into place. Then, carefully place the flap in the hole, making sure that it fits snugly.
upvc door panel with cat flap fitted