Installing a cat flap into your home could be a huge step for any pet owner. There are a variety of options to you, regardless of whether your cat is old and needs extra security or you have kittens that require to be checked.

Installing a cat flap can be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, but, with the right instructions, it's easy to complete. Preparation, planning and precision are the key to success.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps available including some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet going out or coming in) and others with advanced features such as microchips for door entry systems. It is important to think about how easy it is for your cat to train to use the flap before you purchase and install one.

Based on the style of your house, it's generally best to situate the cat flap in the form of a door or window that opens out into a sheltered area of the garden so that your cat will feel secure leaving and entering the home. This will also allow them to get back inside in the event of being pursued by a pet or human who wants to harm them.

It is possible to install the cat flap on a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as simple as putting one in a wooden door. This is due to the fact that uPVC and composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses, which affect how holes are cut and what you're fixing to.


If you're installing the flap on the glass of a door it is recommended to find a glazier who is experienced in such work to avoid any costly mistakes. If you're installing the flap to an existing wooden door you must introduce your cat to it first to ensure that it becomes familiar with its dimensions and shape.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

To install an appropriate cat flap that is the right size for your cat, you'll need to measure your cat's height. This will allow you to ensure that the flap is the right height on your door or window, and that it's large enough to allow them to enter and out easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently run your fingers over their belly. Look for squishy fat pad around the lower back or face, or around the limbs. The padding gives your pet protection and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also make use of your pet's weight to determine the size of an opening you need. If your cat weighs 5kg, for instance the suggested cat flap opening size is 14 x 12cm.

Measure cat flap installers near me or Window

This type of cat flap, as its name suggests is designed to be installed into the door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and are placed in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that is opened by gently pushing on either side. They can be locked that offer added security, so your cat cannot simply traverse the door from outside.

A window is another popular place to put a cat flap, and they're easy enough to put in, but they usually need to be located high enough as it's difficult for cats and dogs to access them. If the window isn't sufficient to accommodate the flap for cats, you can make use of ramps, steps, or specially designed stairs to assist the animal in reaching it.

It is possible to insert a cat flap into the brick wall, however it is not recommended for people who are not experienced in brickwork. This could cause the wall to weaken. It's important to check that there aren't any cables or pipes in the wall prior to you begin. You should always consult an expert if you have to make a hole for cables and pipes. Wearing protective goggles or a dust mask will ensure that you don't breathe in the dust that is generated when you cut into your walls.

Choose the right cat flap

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

There are also different sizes that are available based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps come in rectangular shapes, whereas others are circular or square. The kind of cat flap you select will depend on the dimensions of the opening as well as the kind of door or window you're fixing it to.

Also, think about the opening mechanism that your cat flap will come with. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it will not prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts in as well.

Once you have selected the appropriate cat flap and measured the door or window, it's time to fit it. Determine the belly height of the door using your ruler. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line is exactly on the door and not too low. Use your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, use a Jigsaw to cut the outline of the door. Once you are satisfied with the result then sand the edges and drill through the pencil lines to create holes for screws.

Make the Tools

It is essential to have the right tools when performing any DIY project. You'll need a cat flap as well as tape measure and pencil, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of window or door.

If you're installing a composite door, consult with the manufacturer before making any changes since this could cause the warranty to be invalidated or break the weathertight seal. In this scenario it's likely you will need to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the design of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines that are provided by the manufacturer. If you can, use an outline to help determine the size of the hole you will need to cut.

After you've cut the hole, you'll have to sand off the edges of the opening. This will stop any rust or water damage from happening in the future. Also, you should apply any necessary sealant to the rear of the cat flap and to the holes in the window or door to block the elements of wind and rain. Once the sealant is dry, you can install your cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to go and come at will, installing flaps can be helpful. Most people can install the flap by themselves. However should you wish to install it on the form of a glass or uPVC type door, you may require a professional.

Take a look at the instructions included with your cat flap. You will find a drawing of the template. This will provide you with an idea of where holes for the flap have to be made in the door. Mark the areas you'll need to drill into using the pencil.

After you've marked the area on your door, you can use the jigsaw to cut the design for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you'll require a good understanding of the jigsaw. Many companies will complete this task for you at a reasonable price in case you're hesitant to tackle it yourself.

The next step is to screw the inner part of the flap onto the hole in your door. It may be necessary to seal the flap prior to you do this to keep it waterproof and weatherproof. Then, you can put the outer section of the flap on top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the cat flap on your cat to confirm that it functions properly and allows them to exit and enter easily.