The freedom to let your cat go in and out of the house at will is a great way to keep your pet active and mentally stimulated. A flap can reduce the frequency of accidents due to toilets, making it easier for the cat to leave the house if necessary.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap allows your pet to come and go whenever they want without having to open the door for them. This makes it ideal to keep them inside when you're at home or away and helps to keep unwanted pests from the home as well!

It is essential to take measurements of the door to ensure that you get the correct size cat flap. There are various sizes available. This ensures that you get the correct size to fit into your door made of upvc otherwise, it could be too small or large for your cat and he will be unable to use it.

Get a ruler and determine the width at several points along the edge of the door. Also, take measurements of the door's height in a couple of places. This is because a door that is too high could cause your cat to perform an exercise routine like a gymnast every time they need to use the flap!


If you're not sure of how to measure the door, it could be best to seek assistance from a glazier or someone who does this type of work regularly. They should be able to assist you in determining whether or the door you have is suitable for a cat flap, and provide you with the appropriate size of flap you should purchase.

When you've got your measurements, the next step to do is to draw the shape of the hole in the door. This will give you a guide when it comes to cutting the hole and will stop you from making mistakes that could cost you money in the future!

Make sure that you put holes in the right position. If you are fitting an apex flap to an outdoor door, it's vital that the hole doesn't get too close to the hinges. This could result in leakage or issues with the seal.

It is recommended to leave the installation of the cat flap onto the glass door to an experienced glazier. It can be very tricky to insert the cat flap onto an existing pane of glass and you could be surprised to find that the process causes it to crack and lose its weatherproof seal.

Measure the Cat

A cat flap lets your pet leave and come back whenever they want, without needing to leave him all by himself. It can also stop draughts entering your home, which isn't good for your cat or you.

If you do have a uPVC or composite door, it can seem tricky to fit the cat flap. These types of doors are usually constructed with different materials than standard wooden or uPVC doors and the procedure for installing them is different, too. Make sure to inquire with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible before you install the cat flap on your uPVC composite or uPVC door. Alterations may be detrimental to warranties.

They are designed to be tough and durable with insulation. They are more resistant to the elements than other kinds of door, but it isn't always easy to install the cat flap. Consult a professional before installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite.

You'll need to take their height to make sure they fit through the door. It's easiest to measure their height when they're calm or asleep, so they don't move around. Once you know their height you can measure the distance between their stomachs and the floor to determine the position of the bottom of the flap. This position can be marked on the door.

When you use power tools to cut your uPVC or composite door, you need be extra cautious. Drilling into metal can cause cracks, particularly if the area is composed of toughened glass. This is why it's highly advisable to hire a glazier when installing your cat flap into glass. This will prevent the glass from becoming brittle or shattering. A glazier will also be able to provide you with a circular cat flap that is less likely to break and safer for your cat to use.

Cut the Hole

If it does not, you can make one yourself using a sheet of paper (tracing paper is ideal). If it does not then you can make one yourself using a sheet of thin paper (tracing paper is the best choice). After Full Content has already been drawn on the door, use your spirit level and make sure it's horizontal. This will ensure that the cat flap sits properly in the opening and won't slide open or close.

Next, take your jigsaw and cut out the shape that has been marked on the door. Make sure that you're using a blade that is suitable for use on uPVC doors - usually it will be marked accordingly however, if not, ask the staff at the DIY store for guidance. Once you have the hole drilled and the flap section is in place, put it up against it and push it open to ensure that the flap's movement is smooth. If it binds at any point, use a file or rasp to fix it.

Verify that there aren't gas or electric pipes inside the door you're going to cut into. The jigsaw may damage them. Additionally, you should be aware of any handles or other door fixtures that need to be removed to install the cat flap and be careful not to damage them in the process.

Most people who install a cat flap on their own will have an ordinary solid uPVC front door, which means they won't have to deal with these problems. If your door is constructed of wood or has decorative panels that cannot be removed then this will make it more difficult to complete the job.

It is always worthwhile seeking assistance from an expert cat flap fitter for these kind of jobs as it is important to get them right to avoid any possible issues in the future. It is crucial to do it right because doing it wrong can damage the door and invalidate the warranty.

Install the Flap

Once you've made your hole, place the flap to see whether it opens and fits well. If you spot any areas which catch or stick or stick, use a hand-file or sandpaper to smooth them down until they fit perfectly and open without any problems. Be sure that the flap is in line with the door.

Some kits come with an example of this, however, if it doesn't, you can make use of a piece of thin paper instead, something similar to tracing paper. Place the paper on the door and draw a line in order to indicate where the flap should be placed (this will serve as your cutting guide). Draw four screw holes at each corner of the flap using the pencil marks you made on the door. These are the screw points that will be used to secure the flap to the door.

Most uPVC door are solid and easy to cut. If the door is made of GRP or composite the process can be more difficult. If you're not familiar with this, it is best to hire a professional. They can also tell you if your door is suitable for installing an animal flap.

If you are planning to install a cat flap in composite doors, it is essential to first check with the manufacturer or a professional joiner. Any alterations made to these doors could make it impossible to honor the warranty. If you decide to complete the work yourself, bear in mind that this can be a messy job and may even be hazardous.

You'll need to use a grinder or saw to cut through composite doors, rather than just the GRP. This can be a dangerous task, and you'll have to be extra careful to avoid damaging the door. It's worth noting that it's much more difficult to make holes in door glass than a uPVC door or a solid wood door.