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Fitting a Cat Flap
Installing a cat flap inside your home can be a big step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is older and needs extra security or if you have kittens that need to be checked.

Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task for novices, but with the right instructions, it's not hard to do. Planning, preparation and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are many different types of cat flaps, some of which have locks that can be used to prevent your pet from going out or in, while others have modern features such as microchips or a door entry systems. It's important to think about how easy it will be to teach your cat to use the flap, before you purchase and install one.

Depending on the style of your home, it's generally best to put the cat flap near the form of a door or window that opens to an area of protection in the garden so that your cat can feel safe when entering and leaving the home. If you can it will also provide them a route back in case they are chased by another cat or by a human intent on harming them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap in a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as easy as putting one on a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors are available in different thicknesses. This can impact the way holes are cut, and what you fix into.

If you're installing the flap inside a glass door, it's recommended that you seek out a glazier that is skilled in this type of work to avoid costly errors. If you're fitting the flap into a wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to make sure it is familiar with its size and shape.

Measure Your Cat's Belly

You'll need the measurements of your cat to ensure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will enable you to make sure that the flap is placed at the correct height on the window or door, and also that it's large enough for him to enter and exit easily.

To do this, put your pet on their back and gently run your fingers along their belly. Check for any fat pads that are squishy - these might be visible around their lower back, face, and the limbs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to gauge how big an opening you'll need. If your cat weighs more than 5kg, for instance the suggested flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure your windows or doors

Like the name suggests this kind of cat flap is designed to be affixed to an opening and provide a way for your pet to enter or leave as it pleases. The flaps are made of aluminum or plastic and are located in the middle of the door. They feature a two-way swinging opening that can be opened by lightly pushing on either side. There are locking versions of these flaps, which provide additional security to ensure that your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

Cat flaps are also frequently used on windows. They are easy to be installed, but they need to be set at a height where cats and dogs have a difficult time to get them. If the window is too high to be used as a cat flap then ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to assist the animal get access to it.

A cat flap could be installed into a brick wall, however this is not recommended unless you're skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the structure of the wall. It is important to make sure there are no cables and pipes inside the wall before you begin. You should always consult an expert when you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. Wearing protective glasses or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the sawdust that is created when cutting into your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps available and they all have various features. Some come with security options like magnetic locks or microchips that block entry by unauthorized persons and prevent your pet from allowing guests or other animals to enter the home. Some have insulation as well as weatherproof seals that keep out draughts and moisture.

There are various sizes that are available based on the breed and size of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. Choosing the right type of cat flap is determined by the space you have available and the type of window or door you want to attach it to.

The last thing to do is take into consideration the kind of opening mechanism your cat flap will use. A simple plastic or aluminium swing-out door is a good option and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could be letting in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Make a mark on the belly of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is straight against the door and not too low. Draw a template for the shape of the cat flap using your spirit level as a reference. Then, using the saw, cut out the outline of the door. Once cat flap installer with the result, sand the edges and drill through the pencil marks to create holes for the screws.

Make the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools available when undertaking any DIY project. The main things you'll need are the cat flap itself along with a tape measure, a good pencil and a spirit level drill, file, and an jigsaw (depending on the door or window type).

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty or cause the weathertight seal broken. In this scenario you'll likely need to fit a new pane of toughened glass instead.

You'll require an jigsaw for cutting out your cat flap from a wooden or uPVC door. Follow the guidelines provided by the manufacture. Make use of a template to mark the size hole you'll require.


After you've made the hole, you should then sand the edges of the opening to smooth them. This should prevent any rust or water damage from happening in the future. In the end, you must apply any sealant that is needed to the rear of the cat flap, and to the holes in the window or door to block rain and wind. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

Fitting a flap will allow your cat to go and come whenever it wishes. The majority of people can install the flap by themselves. However, if you want to install it on glass or uPVC type door, you may need a professional.

Start by looking at the instructions that come with your cat flap to locate the drawing template. This will give an idea of the location where holes need to be drilled for the flap in the door. Then, mark the areas in which you will need to drill with a pencil.

After you've marked the area in your door and you are ready to use a jigsaw, cut out the shape of the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. If you're worried about doing this yourself, there are plenty of companies that can do this for you at a very low cost.

Next, you will need to attach the inside of the flap onto the door's hole. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this, in order to keep it weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on the bolts on top, and then securing them. You should test the cat flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and that it allows them to exit and enter easily.

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