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

Fitting a cat flap in a upvc door panel is a lot easier than a glass door, however it does require some skills and the proper tools.

Measure the Door

fitting cat Flap in upvc door panel a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is of the appropriate one and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to allow your pet to go inside and out of the house without having to open or close the door every time, but also small enough to keep them from moving too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed. usually this is done with an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Use a set square to check that you're cutting properly and ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle. Once you are happy 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 outside without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also stops draughts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home steady. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before. This can lead many people to seek out a professional joiner or carpenter to complete the task. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the directions are followed.

This is much easier to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible using upvc cat flap door panels. However it is important to be cautious not to scratch the doors with cat flap because this will invalidate your guarantee. The first step is to examine the door's measurements to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have a standard uPVC door, however you may need to take more care if using an insulated or composite kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to determine the height of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the lower part of the cat's stomach and you'll need to find a spot in the door where this measurement is within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've got the information, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you've marked the area, it's now time to cut the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to install the cat flap fitters near me flap onto a door panel or a sealed double glazing unit. You may be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have a lot of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the job for you. A faulty job can not only look ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you'll need to use a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can get a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and fitting cat flap in upvc door panel easier.

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

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or frame, it may interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation, you will need to make an oversize hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with wall of the flap.

If you are fitting a cat flap into the frame of a double glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new pane of glass that already has the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. This will be cheaper than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not made for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want, allowing them to relax at home whenever they'd like. If you've got an uPVC door it can be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially in the absence of a glass pane that can 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 just making a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to do first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene base. It is essential to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door has a template can be used to cut the hole.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap. You can pick from a range of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flaps you choose it's essential that your cat is able to use the flap without getting caught in bad weather.

It is a good idea to select circular fittings rather than one that is square, since circles can be more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family members. This is especially crucial if you have children or elderly people in your home that might be injured by glass shards.