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

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much easier than in a glass door, however it requires some knowledge and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, using a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

The first thing you need to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to choose a cat flap installation bristol flap that is large enough for 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. typically this is done using an X. However, some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Use a set square to check that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are happy with the result, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you own an already-cut square, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home stable. However, putting an animal flap on your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, which is why many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is certainly an option, it is possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

This is much simpler to do with doors made of wood, however it is possible with uPVC. However, you must be careful not to damage the doors because this will invalidate your guarantee. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for a standard uPVC door, but you might need to take more care if using an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's stomach. This is the distance between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to pass through comfortably. Once you've figured out the measurements you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

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

Cut a Hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have experience with DIY, it's likely to be best to have an expert to complete the job for you. A mistake could not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter when the cat flap double glazing is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.

The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs flush with all the other components of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear any safety gear you require when working with the power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and easier.

It is crucial to only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

If the door is made of replacement upvc door panel with cat flap and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this case, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the walls of the flap.

If you're installing a cat flap in upvc door cost flap into the frame of a double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be cheaper than fitting the flap into an existing pane that was not designed for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they like and let them relax at home whenever they want to. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own an glass panel that can be cut. If you're able to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel usually has a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to cut the hole.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that only let in your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.

A circular fitting cat flap In upvc door panel is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is especially important if there are elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.