Cat flaps allow your pet come and go as they please, without you having to let them in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting inside the house.

Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat door into the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the instructions you can make it less difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the door's opening and then finish off the job by attaching the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will let you select a cat flap cover for winter flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed. usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge ensure you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

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

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature steady. However, fitting cat Flap in Upvc door panel an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you own the appropriate tools and follow the instructions carefully.

This is much easier to do on wooden doors, but it is still possible with uPVC. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it will fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough if you are using the standard uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information then you have to draw the area using pencil 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, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean instead of uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw can be dangerous to your health. After you've completed the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily into place.

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're not experienced in DIY, it's best to hire an expert to do the work for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air out when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the back door with cat flap fitted. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is more quiet and easy to use.

It is important that you only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

If the upvc door is made of metal, or has a frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario you'll need create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install the cat flap onto an upvc door or a double glazed window with cat flap with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who can supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap inside. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin joined to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is essential to be cautious when cutting the material. This type door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

Once you have marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that only let your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap and not get trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea choose circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that might break and hurt your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children in your home who might be injured by glass shattering.