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

It is easier to install the cat flap on a Upvc panel than a glass one but you'll require some expertise and right tools.

Take a measurement of the door

Fitting a cat flap in the door can be a challenge but if you select the right kind of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the steps provided it shouldn't be too difficult. We will help you mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and shields the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap that you need, measure your pet's width. This will ensure that the flap is big enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door each time, but it is also small enough to stop them from going too far either way.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits include an illustration that outlines the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, make sure you leave enough space between your cat and these elements.

Set a square to make sure you're cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a good rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin removing the remaining door material. Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with the result, you are able to take the door material off.

Draw a Line

The cat flap installation flap lets you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature in your home stable. However, installing the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who haven't done it before, leading many people to seek out a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job. While this is definitely an option, it's possible to do the work yourself if you own the right tools and follow the instructions carefully.

Although this is much simpler with a wooden door, it is still possible to do this in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step is to take measurements of the door, making sure that it will fit the new cat flap. This should be easy enough for the standard uPVC door, however you may require more care if you have an insulated or composite type of door as these are more difficult to cut into than solid uPVC panels.

The next step is to measure the size of your cat's belly. This is the amount of height between the floor and the bottom of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area at the entrance that will allow your pet to comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the opening will fit your cat.

After you have marked the area, you're now ready to cut the hole. You will need to use an jigsaw. It is crucial to take your time to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, since it could cause damage to your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust-proof mask when using the jigsaw, since dust from the saw could be harmful to your health. After you've cut the hole, you will need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap can be easily fitted into place.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to put the cat flap onto a door panel or sealed double glazing unit. It is tempting to tackle the task yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience in DIY it is likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake in the process may not only look ugly, but it could also be a security risk as well as allowing cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape once inside.

The first thing you have to do is draw the location of the hole in the door with pencil and an ax level. This will ensure that it is correctly placed and runs parallel to other parts of the door. Make sure you have a piece of sandpaper at the ready to smooth out any rough edges.

Wear the safety equipment you require when working with a power tool. If you're worried about the noise, you can purchase a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and easier.

It is crucial to only remove the material needed for the fitment of the cat flap installation near me flap. A little bit of extra material will be required for the thickness of the wall of the flap but removing more than this could cause issues and cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or panel that will interfere with the microchip cat flap in upvc door panel flap in this case you'll need to cut an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal doesn't come into contact with the the cat flap. If this is done, it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install an animal flap to an upvc door or a double glazing cat flap-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a professional who will supply you with a new glass pane with the hole for the cat flap already drilled in it. It is much less expensive to get this done rather than trying to fix the flap to an existing pane of glass that has not been manufactured specifically for the purpose.

Place the Flap

Cat flaps give your pet the freedom to move around whenever they like and allow them to be comfortable in the home whenever they like. If you have an uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is particularly true if you do not own glass panels which can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a half-glazed replacement uPVC panel then it is possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as simply cutting a hole in the door, however there are a few things you'll need first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is typically made up of a thin plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This type of door usually includes a template which you can use as a reference to cut the hole in the door.

Once you've determined the location of the hole in your door, it's now time to put in the cat flap itself. You can purchase and install a wide variety of different models that range from simple push-button operated models to microchip-activated ones that allow only your pet. However, regardless of what type of cat flap you choose it's important to make sure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

A circular fitting is superior than a square because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when drilled. It's also a much safer option as you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that could shatter and hurt your pet or family members. This is particularly important if you have young or elderly person in your home who may be injured by shards of glass.