Allowing your cat to come and go from the house at its own pace is a good idea to keep it physically and mentally active. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for your cat to leave the house when required.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to move around at their own pace, without having to open the door for them. This is a great method to keep your pet inside the house when you are away or at home. It also helps to keep unwanted pests from entering.

It's important to measure the door before you buy a cat flap as there are different sizes available. You can then ensure that the cat flap is the proper size for your upvc doors. In the event that it is not, it could be too big or small, and your cat could be unable to use it.

Before you take any action however, you should use a ruler to determine the length of the door in several places along its edges. Also, you should measure the door's height in a few spots. This is because doors that are too high could cause your cat to perform the gymnast's routine each time they want to use the flap!

Ask a glazier for assistance when you're unsure of how to measure the door. They can determine if your door is suitable for cat flaps and advise you on what size flap you should purchase.

Once you've got your measurements, the next thing to do is to mark the outline of the hole in the door. This will give you an idea of how to cutting the hole and will prevent you from making a mistake that could cost you money in the end!

Make sure to put the hole in the right location. If you are fitting a cat flap to a patio door it is crucial that the hole doesn't be too close to hinges. This could lead to leakage or problems with the seal.

It is best to leave the installation of the cat flap onto the glass door to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to install a cat flap into the glass pane and you might discover that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap permits your pet to move around whenever they like without having to leave them home alone. It also helps keep draughts out of your house, which aren't good for either you or your cat!

If you have a uPVC door or composite door, it could be difficult to install a cat flap. These kinds of doors are usually constructed from different materials than traditional wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different, too. Before you think about installing a cat flap in your uPVC or composite door, make sure that it's compatible and you have checked with the manufacturer as any modifications could affect any warranties.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are built to be durable and tough, with insulation built in. This makes them more resistant to elements of the weather than other types of doors, however they can be a challenge to insert an animal flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door can accommodate a cat flap, check with a professional joiner prior to starting.

You'll have to measure their height in order to ensure that they can pass through the door. It is easiest to measure their height when they are at peace or asleep, which means they don't sway around. Once you know their height and weight, you can determine the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the bottom of the flap. This position can be marked on the door.

If you are using power tools to cut your composite or uPVC door, you need be cautious. The drilling process can make it crack, especially when the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's recommended to employ a glazier when installing your cat flap inside glass. This will stop the glass from breaking or becoming fragile. A Glazier is also able to provide you with a circular cat flap hole that is less likely to break and is safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A good cat flap comes with a template drawing that you can use to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to be. If it does not then you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is a good choice). After the shape has already been penciled in on the door, you can utilize your spirit level to ensure that it is horizontal. This will ensure that your cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape written on the door. Make use of a blade specifically designed specifically for uPVC doors. It will typically be identified with this information. If not, ask the staff in your DIY store for help. Once you have the hole cut out, place the flap section against it and then push it out to ensure that the action of the flap is smooth. If it binds on any points then use a file or rasp to fix it.

It is also important to ensure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door you'll be cutting into as they could be damaged by the jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other fixtures that are in the door, which must be removed to accommodate the cat flap. Be careful not to damage these items while cutting.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have a standard solid uPVC front door, which means they will not have to face these issues. If your door is constructed of wood or has a decorative element that isn't easily removed, this can make the job.

It is always worthwhile seeking professional assistance from a cat flap fitter for these kinds of jobs because it is crucial to get the job done correctly to avoid possible issues in the future. Getting it wrong can lead to the door being damaged and may make it impossible to honor the warranty.

Install the Flap


After you've made your hole cut, put the flap in place to check if it fits and is able to open easily. If you notice any spots that catch or stick or stick, you can file them down using an sandpaper or hand file until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure the flap is perfectly flush with the door.

If linked website Links to an external site. doesn't have a template, you can use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper against the door and draw a line where you will need to place the flap (this will be your cutting guide). Then, using the pencil lines you've made on the door, draw four screw holes in each corner of the flap. These will be the screw points you'll use to put it into the correct position.

Most uPVC doors are strong and therefore easy to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite then this may be more difficult. If you are not familiar with this, it is recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able to inform you if the door is suitable to install the cat flap.

If you want to install a cat flap into composite doors, you need to first confirm the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any changes made to the doors could invalidate the warranty. If you decide to complete the task yourself, be aware that this can be a messy and potentially dangerous task.

When you have composite doors, you'll generally require the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door's frame instead of just cutting through the GRP. This is a risky job, and you'll have to be extra careful to ensure that the door is not damaged. It's also important to note that cutting a hole in any kind of glass door is far more difficult than making the same change in the case of a uPVC or solid wood door.