Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out at their own pace, without needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Installing a cat flap on a upvc door panel is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the directions provided, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's opening. Then, we'll finish the job by attaching 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 you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to enter the house and exit without needing to open the door each time.

If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, then stick it on the door and then draw a pencil around it. If your door has 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.

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

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also prevents draughts, and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the job yourself if you have the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

It is much easier to do on doors with cat flap made of wood, however it is still possible using uPVC. However, you must be careful not to scratch the doors with cat flap as this could make it impossible to claim your warranty. First, you need to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you may need to be more careful.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need locate a place in the door that will be within the range your pet can comfortably go through. Once you've got the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. You will need the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than rough and uneven, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've cut the hole, you'll require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted.

Cut a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted to an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not experienced in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but also an enigma for security as well as allowing cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape when inside.

The first thing you have to do is mark out the position of the hole in the door with an eraser and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly placed and runs in a straight line with the other parts of the door. It is important to have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.

Wear any safety equipment you require when 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 more user-friendly to use.

It is essential to only remove the material required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

If the upvc door has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with metal frames, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather than to attempt to fix the fitting cat flap in upvc door panel flap onto an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to go and come whenever they like, allowing them to relax in the home whenever they'd like. However, if you have a uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto the doors. It's not a matter of drilling holes in the door. It is also necessary to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is generally made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care must be taken when cutting through wall cat flap it to avoid causing damage. This kind door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you have marked out the opening in your front door, it is time to put in the Cat Flap In upvc door panel with cat flap fitted Door Panel - Carlton-Brown.Federatedjournals.Com - flap. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into the door glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially important if there are children or elderly people at home who might be injured by glass fragments.