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

Installing a cat flap into the door panel made of upvc is much simpler than installing one in glass doors, however it requires some knowledge and the right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the appropriate one and you follow the directions, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then complete the job by attaching the cat flap installer flap to the door. This will ensure the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap install flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to leave and enter the home without having 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 where on the door the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X. However, some kits include a drawing that shows where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard, as this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also prevents draughts, and helps keep your home's temperature stable. However, fitting the cat flap to your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to call a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the task. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the steps are followed.

While this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you need to be very careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can invalidate the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's belly. This is the distance between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information, you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the hole will fit your cat flap in upvc door panel.

After you have marked the area, it's time to make the hole. You will need to use the jigsaw, and it is essential to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, rather than uneven and rough, since this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you've finished the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper, so that your cat flap will fit easily.

Cut a hole

Installing a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit is quite difficult. If you're not proficient in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to do the job for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly, but also pose security risks. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when it is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on ready for any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw. Be sure to wear the appropriate safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can buy a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

It is best to only remove the material needed to create the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the frame of the door.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap if this is the case, you will need to cut an oversize hole so that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window cat flap with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing glass pane that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around anytime they want and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install a cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own a glass panel that is cut. If you're willing to buy and install a replacement upvc door panels with cat flap half-glazed uPVC panel, then it's possible to add the cat flap to these doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need first to make sure it's secure.

A composite door panel is typically made up of an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene core that is insulating. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic button operated ones to ones that are activated by microchips 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 trapped in the weather.

It's a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes make glass more vulnerable to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of having to drill into toughened glass that could shatter and cause injury to your pet or your family. This is especially important if you have child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards glass.