Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
Fitting a cat flap can be a bit daunting but it's simple with the proper instructions. First, decide how high you want the flap to be (on average, belly height). Note this on your door and use the template provided to guide you when drilling.

If you have a young kitten, prop the door open a bit and gradually allow it to enter. Reward it each time it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap is a great way to allow your pet to leave and come in and out of your home whenever it wants. This can help keep your cat healthy since it ensures that it is exercising regularly and will also allow it to go back inside if it is trapped outside during bad weather. It can also reduce the amount of time you'll have to let it out or in and can keep your home safe by letting you be aware of when it went out.

However, it is essential that the cat flap is properly fitted to stop your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is important to measure the height of your pet's belly as well as the width of the doorway in your home to ensure the flap is at the right height. You can adjust the height of your flap when your cat is smaller or taller than the average.

Next, use a spirit-level to mark the center of the door. This is where you will put in the flap. Then, using the marks as a guideline, cut out the contour of the flap using the aid of a jigsaw. After cutting the area out, sand down the edges to create smooth surfaces. Make any holes that are required.

The process of installing a cat flap isn't as difficult as you think, and it shouldn't take more than two hours for the entire job from start to completion. However, the process may be a bit more difficult in the event that you have to put it inside the frame of a uPVC or composite door since these doors have an array of thicknesses which can affect how the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always suggest to contact a professional when this is your first time working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet's meow to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful for cats that are inside during the winter months when you are at work.

If you want to fit a cat flap on your door, it is essential to determine the size of your cat prior to beginning the task. It might seem like a straightforward task, but it's important to get the measurements right. Otherwise, your pet may find it difficult to use.

First, ensure that your cat is relaxed and not anxious prior to taking the measurements. You'll need to keep your cat in a place where they cannot move. Also, make sure that the measuring tape is flat and not curved against the body. You can take a precise measurement by keeping the measuring tape or the ruler flat against the body of the animal from the top to the bottom.

Once you have your cat's measurement then you can examine the door to determine the best place to place the flap. It is advisable to position the flap in the middle of your cat's stomach as this will help them to move through it without too much effort. This will also avoid the flap from making a lot of noise as it swings open and closed.

You should think about the thickness of the uPVC or composite door as well. While timber doors are all of a similar thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall construction, which can make fitting a cat flap more difficult since you have to make sure the hole you make is the proper size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile looking through the instructions included with the kit to locate a template drawing that can be used to determine the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine the location where the opening should be, and also to make sure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also helpful to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template sits flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap, you'll have to cut the door panel in order to make it large enough for it. This can be a tricky job, and it is recommended to seek out the assistance of an expert cat flap fitter to complete this task should you not have the expertise or knowledge to complete the task yourself. You can also consult the instructions included with the kit to discover how to do it properly.

You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. A good rule of thumb is to place the cat flap about 10-15 centimeters off the ground, as this is roughly the average belly height for cats. This way, your cat can move through the flap without difficulty and also give any other cats or curious neighbours an issue when trying to enter or leave.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door with pencil. If your kit includes a template you can place it on the door. Use the marks on the template to drill holes at every corner. You should then be able to cut out the shape of the template and replace it with your cat flap.


If you are installing your cat flap inside the form of a door made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do this yourself if you are comfortable with the Jigsaw. Be sure to not cut into any of the door's mullions, or vertical rails. You can use a Jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Take your time and don't try to try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole has been cut, carefully place the cat flap into its new place of residence. Make sure that it is solidly secured. If the flap has screw caps then push them into the protruding bolts. Once the screws have been installed smooth the edges and then apply sealant to any gaps. This will block drafts from entering your home.

Fit the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can leave it open and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. Alternatively you can try pushing the cat through using your hands or a stick. Once your pet has become used to moving through the flap, it will be capable of walking through the flap whenever it wants. This will allow you to let it in and out at any time it wants.

You can fit an animal flap inside the UPVC or glass doors however it's not quite as straightforward as fitting it into a wooden external door because UPVC and some glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can have a significant impact on how you cut the hole for the flap and will also affect whether the flap is fitted correctly after it has been put in place.

The mounting kit may include a template showing you the best places to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with an example you can use a photocopier to create your own. It's important not to use the jigsaw to hard when cutting, so it doesn't leave a bigger than necessary hole in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and are generally more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, it is essential to ensure that the hole is in the correct location on your door as in the event that it's not, the cat won't be able to use it and could be stranded outside all day (or even at night).

Certain cat flaps come with locks that let you determine when your cat enters and leaves. This is useful when your cat is scared of going out in the dark or returning to the house at night. They can also be useful when you are working all day. Some locks can be used for entry or exit, and others can be locked in both directions. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who don't want to venture out in cold weather.

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