Notes

Fitting a Cat Flap
It might seem daunting to set up a cat flap, but with the right instructions it's not that hard. First, determine the height you would like the flap to be (on average the belly height). Then, mark this area on the door, and use the template included as a guide to drill.

If you have a small kitten you can prop the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward it when it goes through.

Measure the Door

A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of your home at its convenience. This can help keep your cat healthy as it will ensure it gets enough exercise and be able to go back inside when it is stranded outside during bad weather. This will reduce the amount of time you spend letting your cat in or out and also make your home secure by notifying you when it's gone.

It is crucial that the flap on your cat is properly fitted to stop your pet from escaping through it or be pushed through by other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure your pet's belly height and the entrance to your home to ensure that the flap is at the proper height. If your cat is a little taller or shorter than normal, you can adjust the flap's position by moving it up or down a small amount.

The next step is to use a spirit level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you will install the flap. Then, using the mark as a guideline, cut out the shape of your flap with the aid of a Jigsaw. Once you have cut out the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes required.

Fitting a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process may be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto the door of a uPVC or composite door as these doors come with various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed into. We always suggest to consult with a professional if this is your first time working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

A cat flap will save you from hours of listening to your pet meow for you to let it out or in. This is particularly helpful if you are at working all day and your cat is stuck in the house waiting for you to get home in any weather.

If you're planning to put a cat flap in your door it is important that you take measurements of your cat prior to attempting the task. While it may seem a simple operation it is crucial to get the measurement right or your cat may find it very difficult to use.

Firstly, make sure your cat is relaxed and not stressed before you take the measurements. You will need to hold them in a position where they are not able to move, and make sure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not arching in any places. By keeping the ruler or measuring tape against their body from their head to the tip of their tail will allow you to get an accurate measurement.

Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where to put the flap. The flap should be placed at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door with minimal effort. This will also prevent the flap from making a lot of noise as it moves back and forward.


You must consider the thickness of the uPVC or composite door, as well. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors can be very different in their overall design and can make fitting a cat flap more difficult as you will need to make sure the hole you cut is the correct size for your pet.

It is also worthwhile reading through the directions that come with the kit to locate an outline of the template that can be used to mark out the location of the hole in the door. This will help you determine where the hole needs to be located and make sure that the template is positioned correctly on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is flush against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can put in your cat flap you need to cut the door panel in order to make a space big enough to accommodate it. It can be a difficult job so it's recommended you engage a professional to assist you if you don't have the knowledge or skills. You can also refer to the instructions that come with the kit to discover how to do it right.

You can use the height of the cat's or kitten's stomach as a guide. As a general rule put the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the typical height of the belly for cats. This way your cat will be able to go through the flap without difficulty and will also make any other cats or curious neighbours difficult time trying to get in or out.

Draw the location of the cat flap on the door with a pencil. If your kit comes with the template put it on top of the door. Use the markings on the template to drill holes at every corner. Then, cat flap installation near me 'll be able cut out the template shape and replace it with the cat flap.

You can install the cat flap yourself inside an uPVC or wood door If you're comfortable using a jigsaw. Be careful not to cut through the vertical rails or mullions of your door. You can use a jigsaw to cut your panel into a circle or square according to the way you want it. Remember to take your time and don't force the jigsaw into cutting faster.

Once the hole is cut and the flap is firmly positioned, carefully place the flap onto its new home and ensure that it is firmly secured. If it has screw caps, then push these caps onto the screws that protrude. Once the screws are in place, you can sand any rough edges of the cut then apply sealant around any gaps to ensure that there aren't any draughts getting into your home.

Place the Flap

If you have a basic cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to walk through by putting a little bit of cat food in front of the door. Alternately, you can push the cat through with your hands or a stick. Once your cat is used to walking through the flap it is likely to be able into and out as it wishes, so you can let it out and in without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and possibly in all weather conditions).

You can install the flap onto the UPVC or glass doors however it's not exactly the same as fitting one into a timber exterior door due to the fact that the UPVC and glass doors don't have a consistent thickness. This can affect how you cut the opening for the flap and can also affect whether your flap fits correctly once it's been installed.

The mounting kit could include a template showing you where to drill holes. If the kit doesn't come with a template, you can make one yourself. It is important not to press the jigsaw too hard when cutting, so it doesn't create a larger than necessary hole in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are also some which are circular, and are usually more difficult to place. If you have a circular flap it's important to make sure the hole is in the right position on your door, because if it's not, the cat can't use it and may be stuck in the open all day (or even night).

Some cat flaps have locks that allow you to determine when your cat enters and leaves. These are very helpful in the event that you are concerned about your cat going out at night only to come back in because of the darkness, or you're working all day. Some locks can be used for either entry or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is useful for sick or elderly cats who aren't keen to venture out in cold weather.

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