Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door can be a challenge however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap, take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first thing 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 big enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without having to open or close the door every time, but it is also small enough to keep them from moving too far either way.

If your kit has an illustration of the location to drill then you can stick it on the door and then draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can begin removing the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to ensure that you're cutting properly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

It is much easier to accomplish on doors made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to harm the doors because this will make it impossible to claim your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. upvc cat flap door panels is the height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to locate a space at the entrance that allows your cat to pass through comfortably. Once you know this you'll be required to mark the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can ensure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need to use a jigsaw and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than rough and uneven, as it could cause damage to your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's recommended to hire an expert to complete the task for you. A botched job may not only look ugly, but it could also be an issue for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to the other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment when working with a power tool. If upvc door panel cat flap are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only remove the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or a panel inside that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and in this case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't touch the wall of the cat flap, if this is the case, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is cheaper to have this done instead of trying to install the flap to an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they'd like. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to install an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're able to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also need to perform a few steps to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into the door.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a variety of options, from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you pick, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap and not get trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're 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 could shatter and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.
upvc cat flap door panels