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The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at their own pace is a great idea to keep it mentally and physically engaged. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for cats to leave the house if needed.

Measure the Door

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

It is essential to examine the door's measurements to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size that fits into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or large, and your cat may struggle to use it.

Take a ruler, and measure the width at several points along the edge of the door. You should also measure the door's height in a few spots. A door that is too high can cause your cat to perform a gymnast routine every time it wants to use the flap.

Ask a glazier for help when you're unsure of what to measure for the door. They'll be able to determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and can give you advice on the right size flap you should purchase.

Mark out the shape of your hole on the door once you have the measurements. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!

You must also ensure that the hole you're making is placed in the right spot. For example, if you're installing the cat flap on the patio door, you must ensure that the hole is not too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and damage to the seal.

If you have glass doors, it might be best to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be a challenge to insert a cat flap inside an existing pane of glass and you could find that the process causes it to break and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat





A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they like without needing to leave them on their own. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't good for your cat or you.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it could be a challenge to put in the cat flap. These doors are constructed of different materials and the installation is different. Be sure to check with the manufacturer if it is compatible before you install an uPVC cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may cause warranty issues.

Generally speaking, these kinds of doors are designed to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of doors, but it isn't always easy to install an animal flap. If you're unsure about whether your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional jointer prior to beginning.

You'll have to measure their height in order to ensure that they can pass through the door. This is easier if they are asleep or calm, so that they don't move around too often. Once you've established their height, take a measurement of the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to go. You can then mark this location on the door.

If your uPVC or composite door is made of metal (either aluminium or steel) it is important be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is made of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire an expert glass installer when putting in an e-cat flap on the pane. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming brittle. A glazier can also supply you with a circular hole to use for the flap for your cat, which is less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A good cat flap will come with a template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole should be. If it doesn't, you can create one by using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape has already been penciled on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and will not slide open or close.

Then, you can make use of a jigsaw to cut out the design that is on the door. Use a blade that is specifically designed specifically for uPVC door use. It will usually be labeled with this information. If not you can ask the staff at your DIY store for help. Once the hole is cut then place the flap against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it becomes stuck at any point, you can use a filer or a rasp to correct this.

Check that there aren't any gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut through. The jigsaw may damage them. Similarly you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to install the cat flap. You should be careful not to damage them in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own have the standard solid uPVC front door, which means they won't be faced with these issues. If your door is made of wood or has a decorative element that cannot be removed, it will make the task.

replacement upvc door panel with cat flap is always worth seeking expert help from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs as it is important to get the job done correctly to avoid potential problems in the future. It is essential to get it right as doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Place the Flap

Once you have cut your hole, you can place the flap to see if it opens and fits. If you spot any areas that stick or catch, file them down with an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is in a flush position with the door.

If your kit doesn't have an example, you could use thin paper like tracing or acetate. Lay the paper against the door and draw an area on which you'll need to position the flap (this will serve as your cutting guide). Then using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These are the screw holes you'll use to put it in the right position.

Most uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it's best to hire a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for the installation of the cat flap.

If you want to install a cat flap on composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to these doors may make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and even dangerous.

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