Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel

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 inside the house.
Installing a cat flap on a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it requires some knowledge and the right tools.
Take a look at the Door
Fitting a cat door in the front door is difficult however, provided that the cat flap is the correct one and you follow the instructions it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, then use a jigsaw to cut out the area in the door and then finish off the job by securing the flap to the door. This will ensure that the flap stays in position and also protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.
The first thing to do is take a measurement of the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of what size of cat flap you will need. This will allow you to select a flap that is large enough for your pet to walk into the house and exit without having to open the door every time.
Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually, this is done using an X. However, some kits come with a drawing that shows the location to drill, if yours does, then you can stick it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it ensure you have enough space because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.
Use a set square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin to remove the remaining door material. Use cat flap fitters to ensure you are cutting the material correctly and that the hole is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.
Draw a Line
The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go in and out without having to worry about them coming in with visitors or leaving unwelcome gifts in the house. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature in check. However, putting a cat flap in your door might seem like an overwhelming task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many people to seek out an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are in order and the steps are adhered to.
Although this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors, though you must be careful not to scratch the doors since this could end your warranty. The first step in the process is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it can fit the new cat flap. This should be simple enough when you have the standard uPVC door, but you may require extra care if you are using a composite or other kind of door, as they are more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.
The next step is to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You'll need to locate a space on the door that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you have the information you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil so you know the opening will fit your cat.
Once you've marked 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 the cuts are clean and smooth not rough and uneven. This could cause damage to your door. It is also important to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when working with the jigsaw as dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you will need to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily.
Cut a hole
It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to hire a professional to complete the job for you. A shoddy job might not only look ugly, but it could also be an enigma for security and also allow cold air to enter when the cat is outside and hot air to escape inside.
The hole's location should be marked on the door with an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is positioned correctly and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges.
Once the line has been traced, you must cut the hole with a jigsaw, remember to wear any necessary safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you are worried about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy an electric version that is much quieter and easier to use.
It is best to only remove the material required to create the flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.
A door made of upvc could have a metal frame or panel that could interfere with the microchip cat flap and if this is the case you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done it is crucial to fill in the oversize gap and make it watertight.
If you're planning to install the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed windows with a frame made of metal, you'll need to talk to a professional who can supply you with a new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It will be much cheaper to get this done rather than trying to fix a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.
Place the Flap
Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come at their own pace, giving them the freedom to relax inside the house whenever they want to. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install the cat flap. This is especially the case in the event that you don't own a glass panel that is cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to install an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as just making a hole in the door however, and there are a few things you'll need to take care of first to make sure it's safe.
A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel usually has an extremely thin plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. The material is quite fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide to cut the hole in the door.
Once you've marked the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can buy and fit many different models, from basic push-button operated models to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat can use the flap without getting stuck 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 leave the glass vulnerable to cracking when drills are used on it. This is also a safer choice since you don't have to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people in your home who could be hurt by glass fragments.