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Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, without you having to let him in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.

It is easier to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some expertise and appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is the right type and you follow the guidelines it shouldn't be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from rain and wind damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure the width of your pet. This will enable you to select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter 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 positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill. If you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.


Utilize a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material. If you have a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will end the warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you might have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you'll need find a place in the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you have this information you'll have to draw the area using a pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you make will be a good fit for your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while working with the 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 your cat flap can be fitted easily.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. You may be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is recommended to hire a professional to do the task for you. A botched job could not only be ugly, but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with a pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly positioned and that it runs flush with all the other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is quieter and more user-friendly to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause problems or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the the cat flap, if this is the case, it is essential to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a upvc door or double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap inside. This will be less expensive than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like, allowing them to relax at home whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door it can be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially when you don't have glass panes that can be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to install a cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that it is secure.

A composite door panel is typically made up of a flimsy 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 can be used to cut the hole.

Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it's time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models, from basic push-button operated models to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.

Read More: https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk/abingdon-cat-flap-installer-near-me/