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Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out whenever they want without having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the home.

Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is a lot easier than glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge 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 much trouble. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain causing damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to prevent them from moving too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't press the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you would like it to. If you own a square that you have cut, use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also reduces drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the steps are followed.

While this is much simpler to accomplish with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you must be careful not to scratch the doors, as this can cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is composite or a different type of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the measurement from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach, and you'll need find a place in the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you have this information, you will be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you will create will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to cut out the hole. You will need an jigsaw. It is important that you be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight rather than uneven and rough, since 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. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper for smoothing the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to fit an animal flap on the door panel or double glazing unit. If you're not skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire an expert to do the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

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

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be fitting cat flap in upvc door panel to wear the appropriate safety gear for working with the power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.

You should only remove the material needed to create the cat flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

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

If you're installing an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the house when they'd like. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add the cat flap. It's not a simple matter of slicing holes in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually composed of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door has a template you can use to cut the hole.


After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic push-button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips that allow access only to your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is better than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass shards.

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