Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

Allowing your cat to go in and out of the house whenever it wants is a great method to keep your pet physically active and mentally engaged. A flap can help reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for cats to leave the home when necessary.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to move around whenever they want without opening the door for them. This is ideal to keep them in the house when you're at home or away, and helps keep unwanted pests out of the house as well!
You should examine the door's measurements to ensure you get the right size cat flap. There are many sizes available. This will ensure that you purchase the correct size to fit into your upvc door, otherwise, it could be too small or too large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.
Get cat flap in bifold doors and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, you should determine the door's height in a few places. This is because a door that is too high will cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they use the flap!
If you're not sure how to measure a door, it might be a good idea to seek assistance from a glazier, or someone who is familiar with this type of work frequently. They should be able to assist you in determining whether the door you have is suitable for a cat flap and advise you on the right size of flap to purchase.
Draw the shape of the hole on your door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with an outline to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the end!
Make sure to put the hole in the correct location. For instance, if you're fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it is important that the hole isn't too close to any hinges, as this could cause leakage and issues with the seal.
It is best to leave the installation of the cat flap onto the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You might also discover that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap allows your pet to move around as they want, without having to leave him alone. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which is not good for your cat as well as you.
If you own a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These types of doors are often made from different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different as well. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, ensure that it's compatible, and that you have consulted the manufacturer because alterations could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
In general, these kinds of doors are built to be tough and durable, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, but they may be a challenge to insert the cat flap. If you're uncertain about whether your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner before beginning.
To make sure that your cat can get through the door, you'll need measure their height. It's easier to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they don't sway around. Once you have their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. You can then mark this spot on the door.
When using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you will need to be careful. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is made of toughened glass. It is highly 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 that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself with a sheet of paper (tracing paper is the best choice). If it doesn't, you can 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 a spirit level to ensure that the design is horizontal. This will allow your cat's flap to sit properly in the opening and stop it from being in a position to slide open or close.
Then, you can use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked accordingly, if not ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to make sure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use the filer or the rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes within the door you're planning to cut into. Your jigsaw could damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed in order to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage them in the process.
Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. However, if your door is made of wood or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, this could increase the difficulty of the job.
For these kinds of jobs, it's recommended to seek out expert advice from a cat-flap fitter. It is important to do them correctly to avoid any future issues. If you do it wrong, it could result in the door becoming damaged and could cause the warranty to be invalidated.
Place the Flap
Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see whether it opens and is able to fit. If you notice any spots that stick or catch or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits correctly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in line with the door.
Some kits include a template for this however, if it doesn't have a template, you can use a piece of thin paper instead - something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes on each corner of the flap with the pencil marks you traced on the door. These are the screw points that will be used to secure it in place.
Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. But, if your door is made of GRP or a composite material, this may be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar in this area, it might be advisable to hire a professional to handle the job for you. They can also tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.
It is possible to install the cat flap onto composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner before you do so as any alterations to these doors could invalidate the warranty. If you do decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that it can be messy and dangerous job.
You'll need a saw or grinder to cut through composite doors rather than just the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll need to take extra care to not damage the door. It's important to remember that cutting holes into any type of door glass is a lot more difficult than making the same modification in a uPVC or solid wood door.