Fitting a Cat Flap in a UPVC Door The freedom to let your cat move around the house whenever it wants is an excellent way to keep your pet physically active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce toileting incidents by making it easier for the cat to leave the home when needed.

Take a look at the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to go and come as they please without opening the door for them. This is a great way to keep your pet safe in the house when you're away or at home. It also helps prevent unwanted pests from getting into your.

It is essential to measure the door prior to when you purchase a cat flap since there are different sizes available. This ensures you get the right size to fit inside your door made of upvc, otherwise, it might be too small or large and your cat will have trouble using it.

Take cat flap in bifold doors , and take measurements of the width at various points along the edge of the door. You should also take measurements of the door's height in a few places. This is because doors that are too high could cause your cat to do a gymnast's routine every time they use the flap!

If you're unsure of how to measure the door, it could be best to seek help from a glazier or someone who does this kind of work frequently. They'll be able assist you in determining whether your door is suitable for a cat flap, and help you decide on the best size of flap to buy.

Mark out the shape of the hole on the door after you have taken the measurements. This will provide you with an idea of how to cutting the hole out and will help you avoid making an error that will cost you money in the future!

Make sure to put the hole in the correct location. For instance, if you're installing the cat flap on a patio door, it is important that the hole doesn't sit too close to hinges, as this can cause leakage and issues with the seal.

If you have a glass door you could want to let this job to a professional glazier. It can be very tricky to fit a cat flap inside an existing glass pane and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet come and go whenever they want without you needing to leave him on his own. It also helps stop the draughts from entering your home, which isn't bad for you or your cat!


However, if you own a uPVC or composite door it may be difficult to install the cat flap. These doors are made of different materials and the process of installing them is different. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer if the door is compatible before you install a cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.

Generally speaking, these types of doors are made to be durable and tough and have insulation built-in. They are more resistant to the weather than other kinds of door, but it can be difficult to install a cat flap. If you're not sure if your uPVC or composite door is able to accommodate a cat flap, consult with a professional joiner before starting.

To make sure that your cat can access the door, you'll have to determine their height. It's easiest to measure their height when they are calm or asleep, so they aren't moving around. Once you have their height, you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the location of the flap's bottom. Then, you can mark this location on the door.

If your composite or uPVC door is made from metal (either steel or aluminium) you'll need be extra cautious when cutting it with power tools. Cutting into metal can cause cracks, especially if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is the reason it's recommended to engage an experienced glazier when putting your cat flap into the glass pane. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also provide you with a circular hole for the cat flap, which will be less likely to crack and is more secure for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

A high-quality cat flap should come with a drawing template that can be used to mark the area on your door where the hole needs to go. If it doesn't, you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After the shape is pencilled in on the door, you can then use a spirit level to make sure that the shape is horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap is properly positioned in the opening and won't slide open or close.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the design that was drawn on the door. Make sure that you are using a blade suitable for use on uPVC doors. Usually, it will be marked as such however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. After the hole has been cut, place the flap section against it and then open it to make sure the flap moves smoothly. If it is bound at any point, use a filer or a rasp to remove it.

Also, make sure whether there are no electrical cables or gas pipes inside the door that you will be cutting through as they could be damaged by your Jigsaw. Also, be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to fit the cat flap. You should be cautious not to scratch them during this process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC door, and therefore will not be dealing with any of these issues. But, if your door is made of timber or has an ornamental panel that can't be removed, this could add to the complexity of the task.

It is always worth seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs since it is essential to do them done right to avoid potential issues in the future. It is essential to get it right, as making the wrong choice could cause damage to the door and invalidate the warranty.

Install the Flap

Once you've got your hole drilled, put the flap on to check if it fits and can be opened easily. If you find any points that catch or stick, file them down with the aid of a hand file or sandpaper until it fits properly and opens with no issues. Make sure that the flap is in a flush position with the door.

If your tool doesn't have an example, you could use tracing paper that is thin, such as a piece of paper or Acetate. Place the paper on the door and draw a line to show where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Mark four screw holes at every corner of the flap with the pencil marks you created on the door. These are the screw points that you'll need to fix the flap to the door.

The majority of uPVC doors are strong and therefore quite straightforward to cut into. However, if your door is made from GRP or a composite material, this can be more complicated. If you're not familiar with this, it's recommended to consult a professional. They will also be able to tell you if your door is suitable to install the cat flap.

It is possible to install an opening for a cat flap in composite doors, but it is important to verify with the manufacturer or a professional joiner first as any alterations to these doors could void the warranty. If you do decide to do the work yourself, remember that this could be a messy and potentially hazardous task.

When you have composite doors, you'll usually need to use the aid of a saw or grinder to cut through the door panel itself rather than just through the GRP. Be aware that this can be very dangerous and you'll need to take great care not to hurt the door or yourself as it is very fragile. It's important to remember that it is much more difficult to create a hole in a door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.