Notes

Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.

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

Take a measurement of the door

Installing a cat 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 a problem. We will help you draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap is in place and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows 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 moulding or sill on the bottom of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in, but don't push the blade too hard because this could make it cut faster than you would like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take the door material off.

Draw a Line


The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, installing an animal flap on your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the directions are followed.

Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will be able to accommodate the new cat flap. cat flap installers should be easy enough if you are using an ordinary uPVC door, however you may require more care if 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 belly for your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a place near the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area using pencil and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not uneven and rough. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will have to smooth the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.

Make a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A botched job may not just be ugly, but also an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, consider buying one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

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

A door made of upvc may have a metal frame or a panel inside that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal does not touch the the cat flap. If this is the case, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

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

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house when 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 a glass panel which can be cut. If you're able to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit a cat flap to the doors. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to do first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically includes a template which you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install various models that range from simple button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. No matter which type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass which could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards glass.

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