How to neatly install a cat flap in a uPVC door

Often asked by many of our customers at Trade Windows Essex after installing a door for them an easy way to earn more brand recognition is to fit a cat flap for them. Most people won’t want to install their own one out of fear of damaging their door and will be more than happy to hire someone; when in actual fact, with a bit of knowledge behind the tools and confidence in one’s ability it can be a smooth process that will stand in good stead with your client and keep customer retention.

Installation

1. Begin by measuring the height of your pet. Measure the height from the bottom of their stomach and this will be the height at which the bottom of the cat flap will be. Some uPVC doors may have decorative features and in reality, you might not be able to get the height intended, however aim to install the cat flap as low as possible to ensure the cat can get in and out easily.

2. Align the cat flap with the position on the door you have chosen with some blu-tack. This allows you to check in with the customer to ensure that they are happy with the general positioning of the cat flap and how it will look once installed. Take this moment to check that it runs flush with a spirit level – the last thing you want is a bodge job!

3. Once positioned, run a pencil line along the inner edge of the frame of the cat flap and mark off four screw holes in each corner. This will be your cutting line in a moment so double check everything is correct.

4. Remove the frame from the door and using an appropriately sized drill bit, begin to drill out the four pilot corner screw holes and make certain these are straight so that the 2 exterior and interior panels align properly for a flush fit.

5. Cut out the tunnel hole you’ve marked off with a pencil with an electric jigsaw ensuring it is flat against the surface at all times. Pro tip: Cut 2mm outside your marked line to allow enough clearance for the tunnel. No more than 2mm otherwise you won’t achieve a snug fit.

6. Using 180-220 grit sandpaper, smooth off any rough edges and vacuum up any loose debris from the door, just for installation purposes to ensure nothing offsets the fitment. Visually any imperfections will be hidden behind the frame.

7. For added security benefits, explain it’s best for customers to get microchip activated cat flaps so that it will only open to the frequency of the chip in your pet’s collar. Mount the cat flap to the door with the main assembly (battery covers) within the house so that is fitted the correct way, no electricals get wet, and that the animal is able to get in and out without being locked out.

8. Mount the external frame on the outside of the house and select an appropriately sized screw to screw into the four pilot holes you created earlier. Take care not to use a longer screw than required as this may damage the front, decorative face – ruining the look of the finished product. Once all screws are in firmly, align some screw caps over the holes on the external frame and push firmly into place – no one wants to see metal screws.

Optional extra: Insulation

Some customers may be concerned with a hole in their door that cold draughts may enter their property and in turn could inflate their energy bills. In such a case loft insulation can be installed around the exterior of the tunnel of the cat flap. When measuring and cutting your hole between steps 2-5, cut slightly larger than 2mm to allow a bit more room to line the tunnels exterior with insulation. It will compact down and don’t worry about the front hole being too large because the frame cover is larger than the hole you make and will cover up the hole. Same finish, extra quality.

Windows and doors tailored for traders in Essex

We can offer professional advice on the best windows, doors and conservatories to offer your customers. For further information give us a call on on 01787 473881 to speak to a member of our knowledgeable team or fill out a form and we’ll aim to get back to you as soon as possible.