Notes

Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass but you'll need some skills and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door's opening. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough to allow 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 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 where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom of it ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in, don't try to push the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature in your home in a stable manner. However, fitting an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who have never done it before, which is why many to hire a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough for the standard uPVC door, but you might need to take extra care if you are using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they can be more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to find an area on the door that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll need to mark out the area with a pencil and a spirit level to be sure that the hole you will make will be a good fit for your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Be sure to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask whenever working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. If you are not very proficient in DIY, it is best to employ a professional to complete the job for you. A mistake in the process may not only be unsightly but it could also be an issue for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape once inside.

The hole's location should be marked on the door with the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand to smooth any edges.

Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is crucial to only cut away the material required to fit the cat flap. A small amount of material will be needed to cover the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems and even cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could contain a metal frame or a panel inside which could block the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case you will need to cut an oversize hole to ensure 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 render it watertight.

If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed windows with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be cheaper than trying to fit a cat flap in an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the ability to unwind in the home whenever they want to. If you've got a uPVC door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to fit one. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door though 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 is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing that you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that only let your pet in. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.


A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or 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 glass.

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