Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door
Allowing your cat to move around the house at will is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can aid in reducing toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they'd like without needing to open the door. This is ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps keep unwanted pests out of the home too!

It's important to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap as there are various sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the right size for the door you have. Otherwise, it may be too big or small, and your cat could have trouble using it.

Get a ruler and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, take measurements of the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform an exercise routine every time it uses the flap.

Ask a glazier for help in case you're not sure how to measure the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps, and will give you advice on the right size flap to buy.

After you've gotten your measurements, the next step to do is mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole 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 place. If you're fitting an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's important that the hole does not get too close to the hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.

If you have glass doors, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap in an existing pane. You might also discover that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without you having to leave them home to themselves. It also helps keep draughts out of your home, which isn't good for you or your cat!

However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before installing an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other types of doors, but they may be difficult to fit a cat flap into. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.

hop over to this site 'll have to measure the height of your child to ensure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means 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. You can then mark this position on the door.

When using power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need be cautious. The process of drilling into metal could cause cracks, particularly in the case of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in a cat flap in the pane. This will stop the glass from shattering or becoming brittle. Glaziers can also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If it doesn't, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, create your own by using a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are ideal). Once the shape has been drawn in pencil on the door, you can then use your spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap sits properly in the opening, and it will not slide open or close.

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

Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door you will be cutting through, because they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that will have to be removed to make room for the cat flap and be careful not to harm them during this process.

The majority of people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC door and will not be dealing with any of these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative part that cannot be removed, this will complicate the task.

It is always worth seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is essential to do them right to avoid any potential issues in the future. Making the wrong choice could lead to the door being damaged and may cause the warranty to be invalidated.

Fit the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, place the flap to check if it opens and fits well. If you notice any spots that catch or stick to the door, smooth them out using the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it is a perfect fit and opens with no issues. Be sure that the flap is flush with the door.

Some kits come with templates 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 against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws that you'll use to secure the flap into the correct position.

Most uPVC doors are strong and easy to cut. If your door is made of composite or GRP the process can be more difficult. If you're not experienced in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.

You can fit the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be messy and possibly dangerous task.


You'll require a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors, rather than only the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you will require extra care to avoid damaging the door. It's also worth noting that cutting holes into any type of door glass is much more difficult than making the same changes in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.

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