Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door

The ability of your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a great idea to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for your cat to leave the house when required.
Take a measurement of the door
A cat flap lets your pet to come and go as they please without opening the door for them. This makes it perfect to keep them in the house the home when you're away and helps to keep unwanted pests out of the home too!
It is important to measure the door to ensure that you have the right size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures you get the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will have trouble using it.
Take a ruler, and measure the width at several places along the edges of the door. You should also measure the height of the door in a few places. A door that is too tall will cause your cat to do an acrobatics routine each time it uses the flap.
If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it may be best to ask for help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work regularly. They'll be able to determine if 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 step to do is mark out the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you an outline to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making a mistake that could cost you money in the future!
It is also important to ensure that the hole you're making is in the right place. For instance, if fitting the cat flap in the patio door, it's important that the hole is not too close to hinges, since this could cause leakage and problems with the seal.
It is recommended to leave the installation of a cat flap on the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be difficult to install a cat-flap within an existing pane. You may also find that it breaks and loses its weatherproof seal.
Measure the Cat
A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also prevent draughts entering your home, which is not good for you or your cat.
If you own a uPVC door or composite, it may be difficult to install a cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the installation is different. Make sure you check with the manufacturer if it is compatible prior to installing the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Modifications can invalidate warranties.
These doors are typically designed to be tough and durable, with insulation. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Make sure to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite.
You'll need to determine their height to ensure they fit through the door. This is easiest when they're sleeping or calm, so that they don't move around too much. Once you've determined their height, you can measure the distance between their stomach and the floor to determine where the bottom of the cat flap needs to be. Then, you can mark this spot on the door.
When using power tools to cut your uPVC door or composite door, you have to be careful. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. It is recommended to hire a glass installer when installing an e-cat flap on the pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming fragile or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the flap for your cat, which will be less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.
Cut the Hole
If not, you can make one yourself by using a piece of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it doesn't, you could make your own with a thin piece of paper (tracing papers are great). Once the shape has been penciled in on the door, you can use your spirit level to make sure that it is horizontal. This will allow the cat flap to properly fit into the opening and prevent it being able to slide open or close.
Then, use your jigsaw to cut out the shape marked on the door. Make sure you are using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be labelled accordingly, if not ask the staff at your DIY store for advice. Once you have the hole made, place the flap section against it and then push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it becomes stuck at any point, use a filer or a rasp to remove it.
Verify that there aren't electric or gas pipes in the door you're going to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. You should also be aware of any handles, or other fixtures that are on the door which must be removed to fit the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.
Most people who fit a cat flap themselves will have the standard solid uPVC door and so will not have to worry about any of these problems. But, if your door is made from timber or has a decorative panel that cannot be removed, it will add to the complexity of the job.
For these types of jobs, it's important to get guidance from a cat-flap fitting expert. It is crucial to perform them correctly to avoid any future issues. Getting cat flaps for french doors can result in the door becoming damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.
Fit the Flap
After you've made the hole drilled, place the flap in place to check whether it can be opened easily. If you spot any areas which catch or stick, use a hand file or sandpaper, to file them down until they fit properly and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is aligned with the door.
If your kit doesn't include templates, you can make use of thin paper such as tracing or acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show the location where the flap is placed (this will serve as a cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've drawn on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screws you'll use to put the flap into place.
The majority of uPVC doors are sturdy and easy to cut. If the door is made of composite or GRP, it can be more difficult. If you're unfamiliar with this then it may be advisable to hire a professional to handle the work for you. They can also provide you with advice on whether or not your specific door is suitable for cat flap installation.
You can fit an opening for a cat flap in composite doors but it's important to check with the manufacturers or a professional joiner first since any modifications to these types of doors may invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, keep in mind that this can be messy and may even be hazardous.
For composite doors, you'll usually need to use a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. This can be a dangerous job, and you'll require extra care to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's worth noting that it's more difficult to cut holes in door glass than it is for a uPVC door or a solid wood doors.