Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go out of the home at their own pace is a good idea to keep it mentally and physically stimulated. A flap can help reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house when required.
Take a look at the Door
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want without you having to open the door. This is ideal for keeping them in when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the house as well!
It is important to take measurements of the door to ensure that you have the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. It is then possible to ensure that the cat flap is the correct size for your upvc doors. Otherwise, it could be too big or small and your cat may have difficulty using it.
Before you do anything however, you should take a ruler and measure the width of the door in a variety of places along its edge. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. This is because doors that are too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast's routine every time they need to use the flap!
If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be a good idea to seek help from a glazier or someone who is familiar with this type of work frequently. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can advise you on what size flap to buy.
Draw the shape of your hole on the door after you have taken your measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will prevent you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
You should also make sure that the hole you're creating is in the right place. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap inside a patio door, you must ensure that the hole doesn't sit too close to any hinges, as this can cause leakage and problems with the seal.
If you have glass doors you could want to leave this task to a glazier. It can be difficult to fit the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass, and you may discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without you having to leave him home on his own. It also stops draughts from entering your home, which isn't beneficial for you or your cat.
However, if you own a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could cause warranty issues.
Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable with insulation included. They are more resistant to weather than other types of doors, however it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite.
To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll need to determine their height. It is easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they don't move around. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap should be. This position is marked on the door.
When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need be cautious. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is highly recommended to employ an expert glass installer when putting in the cat flap inside a pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also be capable of providing you with a cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If it does not then you can create one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you could create your own by with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been pencilled in on the door you can then use your spirit level to ensure that the shape is completely horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it will not open or close.
Next, use your jigsaw and cut the shape drawn on the door. Use a blade designed specifically for uPVC door use. It is usually marked with this information. If not then ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made then place the flap up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's action is smooth. If it binds on any points then make use of a file or a rasp to fix it.
You should also check whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes within the door that you will be cutting into because they could be damaged by your jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures on the door that must be removed in order to install the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items during the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have the standard solid uPVC front door, meaning they won't have to deal with these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative piece that cannot be removed, it will make the job.
It is always advisable to seek expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs because it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential issues in the future. It is important to do it right because making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and void the warranty.
Place the Flap
Once you've got your hole cut, put the flap on to test if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it is a perfect fit and opens without issue. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits come with a template for this however, even if yours does not provide a template, you could make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Lay the paper against the door and mark a line where you want to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, mark out four screw holes in the corners of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put it in place.
The majority of uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If your door is constructed of composite or GRP however, it could be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be advisable to hire an expert to complete the job for you. They should also be able to advise you on whether or not your particular door is suitable for cat flap installation.
If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, it is essential to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any modifications made to the doors could cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to do the work yourself, bear in mind that it could be a messy job and may even be hazardous.
You'll require a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors more than just the GRP. Be aware that this could be a very hazardous job and you'll need to take extreme care not to harm the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than in a uPVC door or solid wood door.