Cat flaps allow your pet move around whenever they want without you having to let him in or out. They also can help to keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom in the house.

It is simpler to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap in a door can be tricky but as long as you select the right kind of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the area in the door and then finish the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure the width of your pet. This will allow you to select a cat flap that is big enough for your pet to walk into the house and exit without having to open the door each time.

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

Set a square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without having to worry about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't done it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the steps are followed.

Although this is much easier to do with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end the warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat flap insulation-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However, if your door is made of composite door cat flap or another kind of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it is time to make the hole. It is important to be patient and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be hazardous to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily inserted into the hole.

Cut a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be quite difficult. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when the cat is 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 correctly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have some sandpaper on the ready for any rough edges.

Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment for working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material needed to create the flap. It is important to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the flap. However cutting away too much could cause issues or even damage to 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 doesn't come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you want to install a cat flap in a upvc or double-glazed window with cat flap with metal frames it is necessary to speak with an expert. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax in the home whenever they want to. However, if you own a uPVC door it can be difficult to fit a cat flap, particularly when you don't have glass panes that could be cut for one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as simply making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.

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

After you have carved out the hole in your front door, it is time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow only your pet. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to select a circular fitting cat flap In upvc door panel rather than one that is square, because circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you don't risk having to drill into toughened glass that might break and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass shattering.