Cat flaps let your pet come and go as they please, without you having to let him in or out. They also help prevent your cat flap fitters from toileting in the house.

It is much easier to put the cat flap on a upvc panel than a glass one but you'll need some skills and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but as long as the cat flap double glazing flap is of the correct one and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use an jigsaw to cut the door's area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the flap. This will ensure the flap remains in place and shields the doors from damage caused by wind and rain.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, take a measurement of the width of your pet. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without having to open or close the door each time, yet small enough to keep the pet from straying too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out where on the door the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with drawings that show the location 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 along the bottom of it then make sure you have clearance from these to keep your cat safe and prevent them gaining access to your home.

Set a square to ensure that you're cutting correctly and ensure that the hole is a good rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. If you have a square that you have cut, make use of it to verify whether you're cutting in the right way and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangular shape. Once you are happy with this you can start to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet in and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. The installation of a cat flap your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people will call an expert carpenter or joiner to complete the work. This is a viable option, however you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the directions are adhered to.

While this is far simpler to accomplish when using a timber door it is still possible in uPVC doors, but you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors since this could invalidate the warranty. The first step is to measure the door, ensuring that it can be able to accommodate the new cat flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it's easy. However when your door is made of composite or another kind of door, you may have to be more cautious.

The next step is to determine the size of your cat's belly. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat flap fitters's stomach, and you'll need to find a spot near the door where this measurement will fall within the range that your cat is able to comfortably walk through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll be required to mark the space with a spirit-level and a pencil so you are sure that the opening will fit your cat flap installation cost.

Once you've marked the area, it's time to cut out the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is dangerous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you will require sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

It can be difficult to install the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake could not only be unsightly but also pose security risks. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when it is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure that it is positioned correctly and is flush with the rest of the door. Make sure you have sandpaper in your possession to smooth any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole using the jigsaw. Remember to wear any necessary safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the noise of the jigsaw, consider buying an electric version that is quieter and simpler to use.

It is best to only remove the material that is required to create the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than this can cause problems or harm the frame of the door.

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

If you're looking to install a cat flap in a double-glazed or upvc window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult an expert. They will offer you a brand new piece of glass with the hole that is already designed for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane of glass that wasn't designed specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a upvc door panel replacement cat flap front door, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. This is particularly true when you don't have an glass panel that can be cut. If you are willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it's possible to add a cat flap. It's not just a matter of cutting holes in the door. It is also necessary to take a few steps to ensure it's safe.

A composite door panel usually has an flimsy plastic outer layer that is bonded to a soft, polystyrene insulating core. It is important to be careful when cutting the material. This kind door comes with a template that you can use to make the hole.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, it's now time to install the flap itself. You can pick from a wide range of models, ranging from simple push-button units to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever type of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting caught in the rain.

A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel is more effective than a square one, as circles can be cut more securely into the glass. It's because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they are drilled. It's also a safer option as you're not putting yourself at risk by having to drill into toughened glass that may break and cause injury to your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are children or elderly people at home who could be hurt by glass shards.