Cat flaps allow your pet to go inside and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from peeing in the house.

It is simpler to install an animal flap on a Upvc panel than one made of glass however, you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Take a look at the Door

Installing a cat flap on the door isn't easy but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the directions provided, it should not prove to be too difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape using a jigsaw in order to cut the door's area. Then we will finish the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and protects the doors from damage caused by rain and wind.

To determine the size of the cat flap you need, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to choose a cat flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and leave without having to open the door each time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine where on the door the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines where 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 a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave enough space between your cat Flap in Upvc door panel and these elements.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw, begin cutting according to the lines you've drawn in. Don't push the blade too hard as this can cause it to cut more quickly than you'd like it to. Use a set square to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the hole is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the result, you can remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great way to let your pet in and out without having to worry about them coming in with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, putting an animal flap on your door could be an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before, which is why many to hire an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the steps are followed.

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

The next step is to measure the height of your cat's stomach. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll be required to mark the space using a spirit level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is essential to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure that the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you've finished 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 can be difficult. If you are not very experienced in DIY, it is recommended to hire a professional to do the work for you. A botched job could not only be unsightly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air out when inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using a pencil and spirit level. This will ensure it is properly positioned and runs flush with the door's other parts. Make sure you have sandpaper on hand to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety equipment for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by the jigsaw, you can purchase one that is cordless, which is quieter and simpler to use.

You should only remove the material required to fit the cat flap in bifold doors flap. It is necessary to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage to the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and is made of metal, or has a frame, it could interfere with the microchip flap. In this situation you'll need to create an extra-large hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with walls of the flap.

If you're planning to install an animal flap to a upvc door or double-glazed window with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap already drilled inside. It will be much cheaper to have this done than trying to fix the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that hasn't been designed specifically for this purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to relax inside the house when they're feeling like it. If you have an uPVC front door, it might be hard to install the cat flap. This is especially true when you don't have an glass panel that can be cut. If you're willing to purchase and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install an animal flap onto these doors. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door however, and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure that it's secure.

A composite, upvc door panel replacement cat flap, or GRP door panel typically comprises an extremely thin plastic outer skin bonded to a soft polystyrene insulating core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door typically comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in the door.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's time to install the flap itself. You can choose from a variety of designs, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and allow only your pet to enter. No matter which type of cat flaps you select it's essential that your cat can use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

It is a good idea to opt for a circular fitting rather than one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into door glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer choice to use since you're not putting yourself at risk by drilling into toughened glass that might break and injure your pet or your family. This is particularly important if you have child or an elderly person living at home who could be injured by shards glass.