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

Fitting a cat flap in a door panel made of upvc cat flap door panels is a lot easier than a glass door, however it will require some expertise and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap installation in glass doors near me door in the front door is difficult however, as long as the cat flap is of the right type 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 opening and then complete the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough that your pet can leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door every time, but it is also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far in either direction.

If your kit comes with an illustration of the location to drill, you can put it on the door and then use a pencil around it. If your door has a moulding or sill on the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Set a square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you can start removing the remaining door material. Use a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material properly and that the cut is a rectangle. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being in the house with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also stops draughts and helps keep your home's temperature in check. Fitting a cat flap to your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. A lot of people will hire an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. While this is definitely an option, it is possible to do the job yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions with care.

Although this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors, though you need to be very careful not to scratch the doors as this will invalidate the warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However, if your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you might have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat flap in upvc door panel's stomach and you will need to locate a place near the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you know this you'll have to draw the area with pencil and a spirit level so that you can be sure that the hole you make will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need a jigsaw and it is crucial to be patient to ensure that the cuts are smooth and straight, rather than uneven and rough, as it could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It isn't easy to fit a cat flap into a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have a lot of experience in DIY it is probably best to get an expert to complete the task for you. A faulty job can not only be unsightly, but also pose a security threat. It could let cold air to enter 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 that it is properly positioned and is flush with the rest of the door. You should make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth any edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, you can purchase a cordless version which is much quieter and easier to use.

It is crucial to only remove the material required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However cutting away too much could cause problems or even damage the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and features a metal panel or frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this scenario, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't touch the walls of the flap.

If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double-glazed window with a frame made of metal, you will need to speak to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. This is less expensive than fitting the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around whenever they want, allowing them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have a glass panel that is cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel, it's possible to add an animal flap onto the doors. It's not as easy as just cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, upvc door panel with cat flap fitted, or GRP door panel is generally made up of a plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind door has a template can be used to cut the hole.

Once you've marked the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.

It is a good idea to opt for circular fittings rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes leave the glass vulnerable to cracking if drilling is applied to it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly crucial if you have a child or elderly person in your home who could be injured by shards of glass.