Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house at will is a great way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the house when necessary.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you having to open the door. This makes it ideal for keeping them in when you're home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of your home as well!

It is essential to measure the door prior to when you buy a cat flap as there are various sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may be unable to use it.

Before you take any action, though, take a ruler and measure the length of the door in a variety of places along its edges. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they need to use the flap!

Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.

After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the outline of the hole in the door. This will help you when you're cutting the hole and will save you money!

You should also make sure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. If you are fitting an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's important that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could cause leakage or issues with the seal.

It is best to delegate the task of installing the cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want, without having to leave him on his own. It also helps stop draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!

If you have a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are often made with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you consider fitting a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, be sure that it's compatible, and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of doors, however it isn't easy to install a cat flap. Get advice from a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.

You'll need to determine their height in order to ensure they fit through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't sway around. Once you know their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. This location can be marked on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you will need be cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. This is why it's highly recommended to employ an expert glazier to install your cat flap in glass. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A high-quality cat flap comes with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole will go. If it does not then you can create one by using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, then use your spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the door, and it will not open or close.

Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, cat flap installer near me will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole drilled, place the flap section against it and then push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use the filer or the rasp to remove it.

You should also check whether there are no electrical gas or cable lines within the door you will be cutting into since they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door which have to be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to scratch these objects during the process.


Most people who install a cat flap themselves will have an ordinary solid uPVC door and won't have to deal with any of these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that isn't easily removed, it will make the job.

For these kinds of jobs, it's worth getting expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is essential to complete the job correctly to avoid any future issues. It is essential to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.

Fit the Flap

Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap and check if it opens and fits. If you notice any points that stick or catch or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they are able to fit and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap sits in a flush position with the door.

Some kits include a template for this however, even if yours does not, you can use a piece or thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw the area where you'll need to position the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to fit it into place.

The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. However, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, it can be more challenging. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be wise to get a professional to handle the job for you. They will also be able tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of an animal flap.

If you're planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is important to first consult with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to carry out the work yourself, be aware that it can be a messy and potentially dangerous job.

For composite doors, you'll generally need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door's panel rather than just through the GRP. This is a risky task, and you'll need to take extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to create the door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood door.

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