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Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around at their own pace without needing to let him in or out. They also can help to prevent your cat from toileting in the house.

It is much easier to put a cat flap on a upvc panel than on a glass one but you'll need some skills and the correct tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat flap in the door isn't easy but as long as you use the correct type of cat flap, take your time and follow the steps provided it should not prove to be a problem. We will demonstrate how to draw the shape and then use a jigsaw in order to cut out the door's area. Then we will finish the job by attaching the flap. This will ensure that the flap stays in place and protects the door from wind and rain which can cause damage.

To determine the size of the cat flap you require, measure your pet's width. This will enable you to select a cat flap that is big enough to allow your pet to walk into the house and leave without needing to open the door each time.


Once you have the measurements, you can mark out the location on the door where the template should be positioned, usually, this is done using an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill. If yours does then stick it to the door and use a pencil to draw around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge then make sure you have clearance from these because this will keep your cat safe and stop them from gaining access to your home.

Utilize a set square to make sure you are cutting correctly and to ensure the hole is a perfect rectangle shape. When you are satisfied with the result, you can start removing the rest of the door material. If you own a set square then use it to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to ensure that the hole is in a rectangle shape, once you are satisfied with the shape, you can begin to remove the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap lets you to let your pet go inside and out without having to worry about unwanted visitors or unwanted gifts. It also helps prevent draughts and keeps your home's temperature stable. Fitting a cat flap to your door can be a daunting task to those who haven't tried it before. A lot of people will hire a professional carpenter or joiner to complete the job. This is an option but you can do it yourself, provided the tools are in order and the directions are followed.

While this is much simpler to accomplish with a timber door, it is still possible in uPVC doors - although you must be careful to avoid damaging the doors, as this can end the warranty. The first step is to measure the door to ensure it will accommodate the new cat-flap. If you have a standard uPVC panel it should be a breeze. However in the case of composite or another type of door, you may require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the amount of height between the floor and the underside of your cat's stomach. It is important to find an area at the entrance that allows your cat to move through easily. Once you've got the information, you'll have to mark the area with a spirit-level and a pencil, so that you are sure that the opening will fit your cat.

Once you have marked out the area, it's time to cut the hole. It is important to take your time and use a jigsaw in order to ensure the cuts are clean and smooth, not rough and uneven. This could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask while using a jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you have completed the cutting, you'll need to smooth out the edges of the hole with sandpaper so that your cat flap can be fitted easily into place.

Make a hole

The process of fitting a cat flap into an existing door panel or double glazing sealed unit can be difficult. You might be tempted to do it yourself, but unless you have plenty of expertise in DIY, it's recommended to hire a professional in to do the task for you. A faulty job can not only be ugly, but also pose an security risk. It could let cold air in when the cat is outside and hot air out when it is inside.

Mark the hole's position on the door using an eraser and a spirit level. This will ensure it is correctly positioned and aligns with the rest of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper in your possession to smooth out any rough edges.

After the line is traced, you must cut the hole using a jigsaw, remember to wear any safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you are concerned about the sound of the jigsaw, consider buying a cordless version which is quieter and simpler to use.

It is important that you only cut away the material that is required for the fitment of the cat flap. A small amount of material is required to increase the thickness of the wall of the cat flap itself but removing more than that can cause problems and even damage the doors frame.

A door made of upvc may contain a metal frame or a panel inside 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 doesn't come into contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is important to fill in the oversize gap and seal it with water.

If you're planning to install a cat flap into a upvc or double-glazed window with frames made of metal, you'll need to consult a specialist. They will provide you with a new piece of glass with the hole already made for the cat flap. It is much less expensive to have this done instead of trying to install a cat flap into an existing pane of glass that was not designed specifically for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps let your pet come and go whenever they want, allowing them the freedom to lounge inside the house whenever they're feeling like it. If cat flap installation have a uPVC front door, it may be difficult to put in a cat flap. This is especially true if you do not own glass panels that is cut. If you're willing to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as easy as cutting a hole through the door, however there are some things you'll need to take care of first to ensure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is generally comprised of a plastic skin that is attached to an insulating polystyrene core. The material is extremely fragile and care should be taken when cutting through it to avoid causing damage. This type of door usually comes with a template drawing which you can use as a guide for cutting the hole in your door.

Once you've determined the position of the hole in your door, now it's time to fit the cat flap itself. You can choose from a variety of models, ranging from simple push-button flaps to microchip-activated ones that allow your pet in. But, regardless of the kind of cat flap you choose it is essential to ensure that your cat is able to use the flap without becoming trapped outside in bad weather.

It's a good idea opt for circular fittings instead of one that is square, since circles are more securely cut into the door glass. This is because square holes make the glass more susceptible to cracking if a drill is used on it. It's also a safer choice to use since you're not at risk of drilling into toughened glass that may break and injure your pet or family members. This is particularly important if there are elderly or children at home who might be injured by glass shattering.