Cat flaps let your pet leave and come whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

It is easier to install a cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap on a door can be tricky but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap be patient and follow the instructions provided it shouldn't be a problem. We will show how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you'll require. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without having to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to keep them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom of it ensure that you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then use it to check that you're cutting properly and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangle. Once you are satisfied with this you can start to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and out without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature in check. However, installing the cat flap to your door could be 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 certainly an option, it is possible to complete the task yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

Although this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you should be cautious not to damage the doors as this will end the warranty. The first step is to measure the door and ensure that it can fit the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of made of composite or another kind of door, you may need to be more careful.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat flap step's belly. This is the measurement from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to find a place in the door that will be within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you have this information, you will have to draw the area using 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, you're now ready to cut the hole. It is crucial to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you've cut the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake in the process may not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the door's other parts. You should make sure you have an sandpaper piece on hand for any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you need to work with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

It is best to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. It is necessary to leave some extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the flap.

If you are fitting cat Flap in upvc door panel the cat flap onto the frame of a double glazed window cat flap with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a specialist who can supply you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It will be much cheaper to have this done than to attempt to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and let them relax in the house when they'd like. However, if you own a upvc door panel with cat flap door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to fit the cat flap to these doors. It's not a simple matter of cutting holes in the door. You'll also need to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.

A composite door cat flap, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually made up of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This kind door comes with a template that can be used to cut the hole.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can choose from a range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip activated ones that allow your pet in. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it's crucial to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting trapped in the weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.