Cat flaps allow your pet to go in and out as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also help keep your cat from having to go to the bathroom inside the house.

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

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult, but so long as the cat flap is of the right type and you follow the guidelines you can make it less difficult. We will show you how to draw the shape and then use an jigsaw to cut out the door area. Then we'll complete the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure the flap stays in position and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first step is determine the width of your pet to get an accurate measurement of what size of cat flap you'll require. This will let you select a flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can mark out the area on the door where the template should be placed. typically this is done using an X, but some kits include a drawing that shows the location to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around the door. If your door has a sill or moulding along the bottom edge ensure you have clearance from these as this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Next put on your eye protection as well as a dust mask. Then using a jigsaw start cutting according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't press the blade too hard, as this can cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you own a set square then use it to check that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is a good rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the remaining door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap allows you to let your pet inside and outside without worrying about unwanted visitors or unwelcome gifts. It also prevents drafts and helps keep the temperature of your home in a stable manner. However, fitting a cat flap an animal flap on your door can seem like an intimidating task for those who've never done it before, which is why many people to call an expert joiner or carpenter to do the job instead. This is an option but you can do it yourself if your tools are right and the instructions are followed.

This is much simpler to do with wooden doors, but it is still possible with upvc door panel with cat flap. However you should be cautious not to scratch the doors as this could invalidate your guarantee. First, you must take measurements of the door to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you might need to be more careful.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. You will need to locate a space at the entrance that will allow your pet to move through easily. Once you have this information you'll be required to mark the area with an eraser and a spirit level so that you can be certain that the hole you will make will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it is time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. You should also remember to wear safety glasses and a dust protection mask at all times when working with the jigsaw as breathing in the dust could be hazardous to your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll have to smooth out the edges of the hole using sandpaper, so that your cat flap installation in glass doors near me flap can be fitted easily in place.

Cut a hole

It can be a challenge to fit a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing cat flap glazing unit. You might be tempted to tackle the job yourself, but unless you have plenty of experience with DIY, it's probably best to get a professional in to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly but also pose a security threat. It could allow cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

The first thing to do is mark out the location of the hole in the door with pencil and a spirit level, this will ensure that it is properly located and is in a straight line with other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper to smooth any rough edges.

Wear any safety equipment you'll need to use an electric tool. If you are concerned about the sound produced by a jigsaw you can buy one that is cordless, which is much quieter and easier to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to make the flap. It is important to leave a bit of material to cover the wall of the flap. However cutting off too much material can cause issues or even damage the door frame.

If the door is made of upvc and has a metal panel or 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 come into contact with wall of the flap.

If you're installing the cat flap onto a upvc door or double glazed windows with a metal frame, you'll need to talk to a professional who will provide you with a new glass pane that already has the hole for the cat flap premade inside. It is much less expensive to get this done rather instead of trying to install the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to move around as they please, giving them the ability to unwind inside the house whenever they feel like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it might be difficult to install a Cat flap in upvc door Panel flap. This is especially true in the event that you don't own an glass panel that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a new half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to fit a cat flap to these doors. It's not just a matter of drilling holes in the door. You'll also have to do a few things to ensure that the door is safe.

A uPVC, GRP or composite door panel typically comprises a flimsy plastic outer skin that is bonded to a soft, insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type door has a template you can use to make the hole.

After you've marked the location of the hole in your door, now it's time to install the flap itself. You can pick from a variety of options, from simple push-button units to microchip activated ones that allow only your pet to enter. Whatever kind of cat flap you pick it is essential that your cat flap installers is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck in bad weather.

It is a good idea to select a circular fitting rather than a square one, as circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes can make the glass more susceptible to cracking when a drill is used on it. This is also a safer choice because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass that could shatter and harm your pet or your family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who could be injured by glass shards.