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

It is easier to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat Flap in upvc door panel flap on a door can be tricky however, as long as you choose the right type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to go into the home and exit without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, however some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being a nuisance to guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the house. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door can be a daunting task for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions with care.

This is much simpler to do on doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to take measurements of the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take extra care if you are using a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat flap fitting's stomach and you will need to locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your pet can comfortably go through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area with an eraser and a spirit level to be certain that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will require an jigsaw. It is important that you take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap insulation flap can be fitted easily into place.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to put a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety gear you need to work with the power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is best to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the the flap, but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal doesn't touch the the cat flap, if this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and render it watertight.

If you're installing an animal flap to a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable at home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially the case when you don't have an glass panel which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid causing damage. This kind of door typically has a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in your door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's time to fit the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of options, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow your pet in. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can use the flap without getting trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, because circles are more securely cut into 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 especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.