putting cat flap in UPVC door ?

emma_b_4

is it possible?

we got new doors and windows last yr with safestyle and they said basically if you want a cat flap you have to buy new door from us, at time we didnt need one, now we do

can we fit our own or do we have to pay through the nose for safestyle one?

thanks

emma_b_4

happy new year!

jamstaruk

we bought our house last year it has upvc doors and there was a catflap fitted the last owner must have fitted it themselves as it was the origonal door

emma_b_4

has anyone any experience of fitting one in UPVC door ? our last door was wooden and had one in already...need a cat flap the cats are driving me bonkers!!

HugoSP

If it's an insulated upvc panel in the bottom then it should be just as easy to fit it as it would be a wooden door.

You'll need a jigsaw, drill with an 8mm bit - enough to accomodate the jigsaw blade, and a smaller bit for the screw holes.

When you work out where to put it, make sure that the hole you've cut is far enough into the panel from all directions to accomodate the main body of the flap.

If you've got a double glazed glass panel in there, then get a upvc repair specialist to change it for an insulated UPVC panel or similar. I suspect you'll have several businesses in your area that will be able to do this for you.

loracan1

HugoSP wrote:

If it's an insulated upvc panel in the bottom then it should be just as easy to fit it as it would be a wooden door.

You'll need a jigsaw, drill with an 8mm bit - enough to accomodate the jigsaw blade, and a smaller bit for the screw holes.

When you work out where to put it, make sure that the hole you've cut is far enough into the panel from all directions to accomodate the main body of the flap.

Cack-handed as I am, I've managed to fit one - just as it says above. Just bought the bogstandard staywell one (with the lock), I think they include a template for cutting the hole too. Looks quite neat.

Avoriaz

Emma, it is very easy if the lower panel is PVC. I installed one some years ago in my back door and I also did one for a neighbour. It takes a competent DIYer no more than an hour or two.

Just make sure that you buy a cat flap that is designed for the thickness of the panel. Staywell seems to be the leading brand and they make various versions for every conceivable site.

Select your cat flap of choice and carefully read and follow the instructions. Offer up the flap and make sure that you drill the hole in such a way that the flap can fit flat onto the panel and does not snag on the lower or side frame. Make sure that you make the hole the correct size. Don’t make it any bigger than necessary or you will have problems.

If the lower panel is glazed then you either need to get a glazed unit designed for a flap (if such a thing exists) or replace the glazed panel with PVC.

In my opinion, Safestyle are talking absolute rubbish if they are saying that you need a new door.

Make sure Puss can use the cat flap. Cats are usually very athletic and can cope with flaps very easily but, if there is a big drop on the outside, or he/she is elderly, you might consider putting a step or something outside.

And remember that other cats will be able to get in unless you buy a magnetic collar version. We have two females and, although they are spayed, we are plagued with visiting toms.

sloughflint

Avoriaz wrote:

And remember that other cats will be able to get in unless you buy a magnetic collar version. We have two females and, although they are spayed, we are plagued with visiting toms.

Off the main point i know but I had alwful trouble with magnetic ones which didn't work. Kept taking back to pet shop. Known problem apparently. I gave up after trying two different makes.

Lord_Gardener

sloughflint wrote:

Off the main point i know but I had alwful trouble with magnetic ones which didn't work. Kept taking back to pet shop. Known problem apparently. I gave up after trying two different makes.

We had magnetic cat flaps for the last 20 years and only had problems with battery types in early days. Have used Staywell 32 (no battery)for last 12 years with no problems! We have fitted into uPVC, glass (hole specially cut for us) and wood in this time with no issues!

emma_b_4

YEY!!

knew they were trying to rip us off! its a solid door not a glass one, will get hubby onto it as soon as our kitten is old enough... dont suppose any of you know how to stop a 5 mth old male kitten from pooing on the floor next to litter tray but not in it? driving me barmy

when we get a cat flap ill just have it open one way, so they can get out but not in, thats what we used to have, otherwise older cat brings us daily gifts

thanks for your advice!

sloughflint

emma_b wrote:

YEY!!

knew they were trying to rip us off! its a solid door not a glass one, will get hubby onto it as soon as our kitten is old enough... dont suppose any of you know how to stop a 5 mth old male kitten from pooing on the floor next to litter tray but not in it? driving me barmy

when we get a cat flap ill just have it open one way, so they can get out but not in, thats what we used to have, otherwise older cat brings us daily gifts

thanks for your advice!

He's old enough now!!
Train him to go outdoors instead ( once flap put in)