Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They also help stop your cat from urinating in the house.

Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much easier than in glass doors, however it does require some skills and the right tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat flap in upvc door panel a cat flap in upvc door panel (anchor) door in the front door is difficult, but so long as the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the instructions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to draw the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing to do is determine the width of your pet in order to determine an accurate estimate of the size of cat flap you will require. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without needing to open and close the door each time, but also small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the area on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits include drawings that show the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure that you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also stops draughts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to complete the task yourself if you have the appropriate tools and follow the instructions with care.

While this is far simpler with a timber door, it is still feasible in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. First, you need to examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can acce other parts of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is important that you only remove the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

If you want to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with cat flap with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They will provide you with a brand new piece of glass that has the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to do this than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that was not designed specifically for the purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet leave and come at their own pace, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house when they want to. If you've got an uPVC door, it might be difficult to install a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that can be cut for one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel, then it's possible to fit an animal flap onto these doors. It's not a matter of slicing a hole into the door. You'll also have to perform a few steps to ensure that it is safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, cat flap In upvc door panel insulating polystyrene core. The material is fairly fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole into the door.

Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models including basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that only let in your pet. However, no matter what kind of cat flap you select, it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for a circular fitting a cat flap rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or your family. This is especially crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that could be hurt by glass fragments.