cat flap installation flaps allow your pet to go in and out whenever they want without needing to let them in or out. They also can help to stop your cat flaps for french doors from urinating in the house.

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

Measure the Door

The installation of a cat flap inside the door can be a challenge but if you use the correct type of cat flap make sure you take your time and follow the instructions provided it should not prove to be too much trouble. We will demonstrate how to mark the shape and use the jigsaw to cut the door area. Then we'll complete the job by affixing the cat flap. This will ensure that the flap remains in place and protects the door from wind and rain damaging the door.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure your pet's width. This will allow you to select a flap that is large enough to allow your pet to enter the house and leave without having to open the door every time.

Once you have the measurements you can determine the location on the door where the template should be positioned, typically this is done using an X, but some kits come with a drawing that shows where to drill, if yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has a sill or moulding at the bottom, be sure you leave plenty of space between your cat and the moulding or sill.

Put on your eye protection and a dust mask, and using a jigsaw begin to cut according to the lines you have pencilled in. Don't push the blade too hard because this will cause it to cut faster than you want it to. If you have a set square then use it to ensure whether you're cutting in the right way and to make sure the hole is a proper rectangular shape. Once you are satisfied with this you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to let your pet in and out without worrying about them being a nuisance to visitors or leaving unwanted gifts in the house. It also reduces drafts and helps keep the temperature inside your home stable. However, putting the cat flap to your door could be an intimidating task for those who have never done it before. This can lead many to hire a professional carpenter or joiner to do the job instead. It is an option, but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are appropriate and the instructions are followed.

While this is much easier to do with a wooden door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you should be careful to avoid damaging the doors with cat flap as this will cause damage to the warranty. First, you must examine the door's measurements to ensure that it can accommodate the new cat-flap. This should be easy enough when you have an ordinary uPVC door, however you might need to take more care if you have an alternative type of door since these can be more difficult to cut than solid uPVC panels.

Next, you will need to determine the belly height of your cat. This is the distance from the floor to the bottom of the cat's stomach and you will need to locate a place near the door that will be within the range your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've got the information you'll need to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you are certain that the hole will be suitable for your cat.

After you have marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is crucial 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. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when working with the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. After you have finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily inserted into the hole.

Make a hole

Getting a cat flap fitted into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's likely to be best to have a professional in to do the task for you. A mistake could not only look ugly, but also pose security risks. It could let cold air to enter when the cat is outdoors and hot air to escape when the cat is inside.

Mark the hole position on the door using the help of a pencil and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and runs flush with the rest of the door. Make sure to have sandpaper on hand to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is marked you should cut out the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any necessary safety gear for working with an electric tool. If you're concerned about the noise, you can get a cordless jigsaw which is quieter and more user-friendly.

It is essential to only remove the material required to make the cat flap. A little bit of extra material will be needed to cover the thickness of the wall of the flap, but removing more than that can cause problems or cause damage to the door frame.

A door made of upvc could include a metal frame, or panel within it that will interfere with the microchip cat flap, and if this is the case, you'll need to make an over-sized hole to ensure that the metal does not come into contact with the the cat flap, if this is done, it is important to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you want to install a cat flap in windows made of double-glazed or upvc with metal frames you'll need to talk to a specialist. They can provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already pre-made for the cat flap. This will be less expensive than trying to fit the flap into an existing pane that was not made specifically for this purpose.

Fit the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet move around at their own pace, giving them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If you have a uPVC front door, it can be difficult to put in the cat flap. This is especially the case if you do not own glass panels that can be cut. Luckily, if you're happy to buy and install a replacement half-glazed uPVC panel then it is possible to install the cat flap to the doors. It's not as simple as just making a hole in the door though and there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's secure.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally composed of a thin plastic skin that is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is crucial to be careful when cutting the material. This type door has a template you can use to cut the hole.

After you have carved out the opening in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can choose from a wide range of options, from simple push-button models to ones that are microchip-activated and only let your pet in. No matter which type of cat flaps you select, it's vital that your cat is able to use the flap comfortably without getting stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting cat flap in upvc door panel (check out this one from Aviator Games) is better than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into the glass. This is because square holes are more likely to break the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option, as you won't have to drill into the toughened glass that could break and cause harm to your pet or family. This is particularly important if you have a child or elderly person at home who could be injured by shards of glass.