Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you needing to let them in or out. They can also help stop your cat from urinating inside the house.

It is simpler to install a cat flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll need some skills and the right tools.

Measure the Door

Installing a cat flap cost flap on the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be too difficult. We will be showing how to trace the shape, use an jigsaw for cutting out the door's opening and then complete the job by attaching the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to determine an accurate estimate of what size of cat flap you will need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough that your pet can enter and leave the house without needing to open and close the door every time, yet small enough to keep them from going too far either way.

Once you have the measurements, you can mark the area on the door where the template should be placed, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has moulding or a sill at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Next put on your eye protection and dust mask and using a jigsaw begin cutting along the line that you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify that you're cutting properly and also to ensure that the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can begin to take off the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps to keep the temperature inside your home in a stable manner. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call a professional joiner or carpenter to do the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the instructions are adhered to.

While this is far easier to do when using a timber door it is still feasible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful not to scratch the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard upvc door panels cat flap panel it's easy. However when your door is composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you've got the information you'll need to mark the area using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the hole 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 ensure the cuts are smooth and clean not uneven and rough. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using a Jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust can be harmful for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll 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 skilled in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to complete the work for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing you need to do is mark the location of the hole in the door with an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have an sandpaper piece on the ready to smooth any edges.

Once the line has been marked you should cut out the hole with the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety gear for working with a power tool. If you are worried about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to fit the flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the the flap, but removing more than that could cause issues and cause damage to 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 situation you'll need create an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not touch the walls of the flap.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap installation cost flap. It is cheaper to have this done than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing glass pane that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to come and go whenever they want and let them relax at home whenever they'd like. However, if you own an uPVC door, it may be difficult to fit an animal flap, especially in the absence of glass panes that can be cut to accommodate one. If you're willing to buy and install a new half-glazed upvc door panel replacement cat flap panel, it's possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as simply cutting a hole in the door, however there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's safe.

A composite, uPVC, or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care must be taken when cutting into it to avoid damaging. This type of door usually has a template which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's time to put in the cat flap itself. You can buy and fit a wide variety of different models including basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flaps you select it is essential that your cat can utilize the flap with ease without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It's a good idea to opt for 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. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children living in your home that could be hurt by glass shards.