Cat flaps let your cat leave and come back at their own pace, without having to let them in or out. They also prevent your cat from peeing in the house.

It is simpler to install the cat flap on a upvc panel than one made of glass, but you will require some knowledge and correct tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions 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 off the job by fixing the cat flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

The first thing you need to do is determine the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. 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 every time, but also small enough to prevent the pet from straying too far either way.

If your kit comes with a drawing showing where to drill, you can stick it on the door, and then use a pencil around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough space as this will ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection and a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting along the line you have pencilled in, don't try to press the blade too hard because this can make it cut faster than you want it to. Use a set square to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are happy with the result, you are able to take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without having to worry about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts inside the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature stable. The installation of a cat flap your door may seem daunting for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.

Although this is much easier to do when using a timber door it is still possible to do this in upvc door panels cat flap doors - although you must be cautious not to damage the doors since this could end the warranty. First, you need to measure the door to make sure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may require more care if using a composite or other type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the underside of the cat a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety gear for working with the power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can purchase a jigsaw with a cord that is quieter and more user-friendly.

You should only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap but cutting off more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

A upvc door may contain a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to make an oversize hole so that the metal doesn't get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done, it is crucial to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're looking to install a cat flap into a upvc or double glazing cat flap-glazed window with metal frames you'll need to talk to an expert. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This is less expensive than trying to install the flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house when they're feeling like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it may be difficult to install an animal flap, especially when you don't have a glass pane that can be cut to accommodate one. Luckily, if you're happy to purchase and install a half-glazed replacement upvc door panels with cat flap uPVC panel then it is possible to install a cat flap to the doors. It's not a simple matter of drilling a hole into the door. You'll also have to take a few steps to ensure that it is secure.

A upvc cat flap door panels, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin joined to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care must be taken when cutting through it to avoid damaging. This type of door typically has a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

Once you have marked the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a wide range of designs, from simple push-button models to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat can use the flap and not get stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is better than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass which could break and cause harm to your pet or family members. This is particularly crucial if you have elderly or children in your home that might be injured by glass shattering.