Cat flaps let your cat go inside and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They can also help prevent your cat flap fitting from urinating in the house.

It is simpler to install the cat flap in upvc door panel flap on a upvc panel than a glass one however, you'll require some expertise and correct tools.

Take a look at the Door

Fitting a cat flap installation door in a front door could be difficult, but provided that the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape using an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of the size of cat flap you will require. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to go into the house and exit without needing to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough space to ensure your cat's safety and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Then put on your eye protection and dust mask. Then using a jigsaw, begin cutting along the line you penciled in. Don't press the blade too hard because this can make it cut faster than you'd like it to. If you have a set square then make use of it to verify that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is a good rectangle. Once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet out and in without worrying about them being in the house with a visitor, or leaving unwanted gifts in the home. It also helps prevent draughts and helps keep your home's temperature steady. However, putting the cat flap to your door can seem like an overwhelming task for those who haven't done it before, leading many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the proper tools and follow instructions carefully.

Although this is much simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors as this will cause damage to the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it is able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel, this should be easy. However in the case of 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 distancep, but removing more than this could cause issues and harm the frame of the door.

A upvc door may have a metal frame or panel within it which could block the microchip cat flap and if this is the case, you'll need to cut an oversize hole to ensure the metal does not touch the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the gap and make it watertight.

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

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they feel like it. However, if you own an uPVC door, it might be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own glass panes that could be cut to accommodate one. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install the cat flap cover for winter flap. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite door panel typically comprises an flimsy plastic outer layer bonded to a soft insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind of back door with cat flap fitted typically includes a template that you can use as a reference for cutting the hole in your door.

After you've marked the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to fit the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you choose it's crucial to ensure that your cat flap in bifold doors is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking if drills are used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you don't risk drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is especially important if you have a child or an elderly person living in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.