Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing double glazing cat flap to go in and out of the house as it pleases is an excellent method to keep your pet active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to exit the house when it needs to.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to move around at their own pace, without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests from the home too!

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

Before doing anything, though, take a ruler and determine the length of the door in a variety of places along its edge. Also, you should take measurements of the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high can cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!

If you're not sure of how to measure a door, it might be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this kind of work frequently. They will be able to help you determine whether or not your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap you should purchase.

After you've gotten your measurements, the next thing to do is to draw out the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making an error that will cost you money in the end!

Make sure to put the hole in the right position. If you're fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is vital that the hole does not be too close to hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.

If you have an opening made of glass it is best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to fit a cat-flap into an existing pane. It is also possible that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap permits your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them alone. It can also help to stop the draughts from entering your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These kinds of doors are typically made with different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors, and the installation process is quite different too. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you've checked with the manufacturer because alterations could affect any warranties.

They are designed to be durable and tough and have insulation. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, but they can be difficult to fit a cat flap into. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before beginning.

To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need measure their height. This is easiest if they are asleep or calm, so that they're not moving around too often. Once you know their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor in order to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. Then, you can mark this location on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you have be cautious. The act of drilling into metal can cause it to crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. This is the reason it's advisable to hire an expert glazier to install your cat flap inside a pane of glass. This will stop the glass from breaking and becoming brittle. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a cat flap that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If it does not however, you can make one yourself by using a piece of thin paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it isn't, you can make one yourself using the thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape has been drawn on the door, use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening, and it won't slide open or close.

Next, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.

You should also check whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door you will be cutting through, since they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to make room for the cat flap and be cautious not to scratch them during this process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they will not have to face these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, it will make the task.


It is always worthwhile seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter when it comes to these types of jobs as it is essential to do them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can cause the door to be damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you've made your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you spot any areas that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens without any problems. Make sure the flap sits flush with the door too.

If your kit doesn't have templates, you can use thin paper like tracing or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw an area on which you'll will need to place the flap (this will serve as 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 put it in the right position.

The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're not experienced with this then it may be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able to help you determine whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.

If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors may make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be a messy and potentially dangerous task.

You'll need to use an instrument like a grinder or a saw to cut through composite doors rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to not damage the door. It's also important to note that cutting holes into any kind of glass door is much more difficult than making the same modification in the case of a uPVC or solid wooden door.

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