Fitting Cat Flap in UPVC Door Panel Cat flaps allow your pet to leave and come back as they please without you having to let them in or out. They also can help stop your cat from urinating inside the home.

Installing a cat flap into a door panel made of Upvc is much simpler than installing one in a glass door, but it will require some expertise and the appropriate tools.

Measure the Door

Fitting a cat door in a front door could be difficult however, so long as the cat flap is the right type and you follow the guidelines, it shouldn't be too difficult. We will be showing you how to mark out the shape, then use the jigsaw to slice the door's area and then finish off the job by fixing the flap to the door. This will ensure the flap is in place and protects the doors from the damage caused by wind and rain.

The first step is measure the width of your pet in order to get a precise measurement of the size of cat flap you'll need. This will ensure that the flap is large enough to let your pet leave and enter the home without needing to open and close the door each time, yet small enough to prevent them from going too far in either direction.

Once you have the measurements you can mark the location on the door where the template should be placed, usually this is done with an X, however some kits come with an illustration that outlines where to drill, if you have one, then attach it to the door and draw a line around it. If your door has sill or moulding along the bottom edge of it then make sure you have enough clearance from these to ensure your cat's safety and will prevent them from getting access to your home.

Utilize a set square to ensure that you are cutting correctly and to make sure the hole is in a rectangle shape. Once you are satisfied with this, you are able to begin to remove the remaining door material. Set the square with a ruler to ensure that you're cutting the material in a proper manner and that the cut is a rectangle. When you are satisfied with the final result, you can take out the rest of the door material.

Draw a Line

The cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to go out and in without worrying about them being in the house with guests or leaving unwelcome gifts in the home. It also stops draughts and helps to keep your home's temperature in check. Installing a cat flap on your door might seem difficult for those who haven't attempted it before. Many people call an expert carpenter or joiner to do the work. This is an option but you can do it yourself if the tools are appropriate and the instructions are adhered to.


It is much easier to do with a wooden door, but it is still possible with uPVC. However you should be cautious not to harm the doors since this could cause the door to be damaged and invalidate your warranty. The first step in the process is to measure the door, ensuring that it can accommodate the new cat flap. If you have an ordinary uPVC panel it's easy. However in the case of composite or a different type of door, you might require more care.

The next step is to determine the height of your belly for your cat. This is the height from the floor to the underside of the cat's stomach and you'll need to locate a place on the door that will be within the range that your cat can comfortably pass through. Once you've figured out the measurements, 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.

After you've marked the area, it's time to cut the hole. You will require the jigsaw, and it is crucial to take your time in order to ensure that the cuts are smooth and clean rather than uneven and rough, as this could damage your door. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask when using the jigsaw. Inhaling sawdust is hazardous for your health. Once you've finished cutting the hole, you'll need sandpaper to smooth the edges so that the cat flap is easily fitted into place.

Cut a Hole

It can be difficult to install a cat flap into the door panel or double glazing unit. If you are not very skilled in DIY, it's best to employ a professional to do the work for you. A shoddy job might not just be ugly, but it could also be a security risk and also allow cold air to get in when the cat is outside, and hot air to escape inside.

The first thing you need to do is draw the position of the hole in the door using an eraser and an ax level. This will ensure that it is positioned and that it runs flush with all other parts of the door. Make sure you have some sandpaper on ready for any rough edges.

Once the line has been drawn, you can cut the hole with a jigsaw. Be sure to wear any safety equipment when working with a power tool. If you're worried about noise, you can buy a jigsaw with a cord that is more quiet and easy to use.

You should only remove the material that is required to fit the cat flap. It is essential to leave a little extra material to make the wall thickness of the cat flap. However, removing too much can cause issues or even damage the door frame.

A door made of upvc may 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 oversize hole to ensure the metal does not get in contact with the wall of the cat flap, if this is done it is essential to fill in the gap and seal it with water.

If you're installing a cat flap into the frame of a double-glazed window with a metal frame, you will need to speak to a specialist who can provide you with a brand new pane of glass with the hole for the cat flap in it. This will be less expensive than trying to install a cat flap in an existing pane that was not made for this purpose.

Install the Flap

Cat flaps allow your pet to come and go as they please, giving them the freedom to lounge in the home whenever they want to. However, if you own a uPVC door, it may be difficult to put in an animal flap, especially if you don't own a glass pane that can be cut to fit one. If you're looking to install a half-glazed uPVC replacement panel, it is possible to add an additional cat flap. It's not as simple as just cutting a hole through the door however, and there are some things you'll need first to make sure it's safe.

A composite, uPVC or GRP door panel is usually comprised of a thin plastic skin which is bonded to an insulating polystyrene core. It is important to be cautious when cutting the material. This kind of door typically includes a template that you can use as a reference to cut the hole into your door.

After you have marked out the hole in your front door, it is time to install the cat flap. You can purchase and install many different models, from basic button operated ones to microchip activated units that allow access only to your pet. However, no matter what type of cat flap you select, it is essential to ensure that your cat can comfortably use the flap without becoming stuck outside in the rain.

A circular fitting is more effective than a square, because circles can be cut more securely into glass. It's because square holes are more likely to crack the glass when they're drilled. This is also a safer option because you won't need to drill into the toughened glass, which could shatter and harm your pet or family. upvc door panel replacement cat flap is especially crucial if you have a young or elderly person in your home who may be hurt by shards of glass.