Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The freedom to let your cat leave and enter the house whenever it wants is an excellent method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. Having a flap can also help reduce toileting accidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when it is required to.

Measure the Door

A cat flap allows your pet to leave and come back whenever they want without having to open the door. This makes it perfect to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of your home too!

It is important to measure the door before you purchase the cat flap, as there are a variety of sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it might be too small or large for your cat and he will struggle to use it.

Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, determine the door's height in a few places. This is because doors that are too high could cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they want to use the flap!

Get help from a glazier when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They will be able determine whether your door is suitable for cat flaps and can help you decide on the size of flap you should purchase.

When you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the shape of the hole in the door. This will help you when you cut the hole and will save you money!

It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the correct place. For example, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, you must ensure that the hole is not too close to any hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.

If you have a glass door it is best to delegate this task to a professional glazier. It may be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. It is also possible that it cracks and loses its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they wish without having to leave him home on his own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not beneficial for your cat or you.

However, if you have a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed of different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Changes to the door could invalidate warranties.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to the elements of weather than other doors, however they can be difficult to fit a cat flap into. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional jointer prior to starting.

You'll need to take the height of your child to ensure they pass through the door. It's easier to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so that they aren't moving around. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. Then, you can mark this location on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either steel or aluminium), you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it using power tools. Cutting into metal can cause it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass.  double glazing cat flap  is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A Glazier will also be capable of providing you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If it does not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it does not then you can make one yourself using an uncoated sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has been penciled in on the door, use your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is positioned correctly in the opening, and it will not open or close.

Next, use your jigsaw and cut out the shape written on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be labelled accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at your DIY store for assistance. Once you have the hole made and the flap section is in place, put it against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use the filer or the rasp to fix this.

Also, make sure that there are no electric cables or gas pipes inside the door you will be cutting through, as they could be damaged by the Jigsaw. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap and be careful not to damage them during the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, so they won't be faced with these problems. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative piece that is not easily removed, this will complicate the job.

For these types of jobs, it is important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is important to complete the job correctly to avoid future problems. It is important to get it right, as getting it wrong could damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap to check if it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any points that stick or catch, use a hand file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit properly and can be opened without issue. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.

If your kit doesn't include templates, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or acetate. Place the paper against the door and mark a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, mark four screw holes in each corner of the flap - these are the screw holes that you'll use to secure it in the correct position.

The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this, it might be beneficial to engage a professional to handle the work for you. They will also be able to determine if your door is suitable to install an animal flap.

If you are planning to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is important to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors may cause the warranty to be void. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this could be messy and possibly hazardous task.

With composite doors, you'll typically need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take extreme care not to damage the door or yourself, as it's extremely fragile. It's important to remember that it's much more difficult to create holes in door glass than a uPVC door or solid wood door.