Installing a cat-friendly flap in your home is a fantastic option for any pet owner. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk if your cat is older and requires additional security, or you have new kittens that require a thorough screening there are plenty of options there for you.

Installing a cat flap may be intimidating for people who aren't professionals, however, with the proper instructions, it's not difficult to do. Preparation, planning and accuracy are the key to success.

Select the Right Door, or Windows

There are a wide variety of cat flaps that are available, some with locks (which can be used to prevent your pet from going out or coming in) and others that have high-tech features such as microchip door entry systems. It is important to consider how it is easy to teach your cat how to use the flap, before you buy and install one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, depending on the design of your home, in an opening that leads into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. This will also allow them to return inside if they are chased by another animal or human beings who wish to hurt them.

It is possible to install an egress flap inside the form of a uPVC door or a glass window, but it's not as straightforward as fitting one into a wooden door. It's because uPVC or composite doors come in a variety of thicknesses. This can affect the how holes are cut and the material you put into.

To avoid costly mistakes, it is recommended to consult an expert glazier before installing the flap on a glass-fronted doors. If you're installing the flap on an old wooden door, begin by introducing your cat to it prior to fitting it to allow them to be familiar with its size and shape and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need the measurements of your cat to make sure that the cat flap you put in is a good fit. This will ensure that the flap is at the right height on your door or window and that it's wide enough for them to enter and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers along their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which may be visible around their lower back, face or the limbs. The extra padding offers your pet safety and allows them to move more easily, especially when performing the many acrobatics felines are famous for.

You can also consider your pet's weight as a way to determine the size of the opening you need. If your cat weighs up to 5Kg in weight for instance an opening of 14 x 12cm flap for your cat is advised.

Take a measurement of your door or window

This type of cat flap, as the name suggests is made to be fitted into a door. It lets your pet be able to enter and exit at his/her convenience. The flaps are made of plastic or aluminum and sit in the middle of the door. They have a dual swinging opening that opens by gently pressing on either side. There are locks on some of these flaps, which provide added security so your cat can't simply enter the door from the outside.

A window is another common location for a cat's flap and these are easy enough to put in, but they are usually located high enough as it's difficult for dogs and cats to reach them otherwise. If the window is too high to use a cat flap, ramps, steps, or specially built stairs can be utilized to aid the animal in accessing it.

It is possible to insert an egress into a brickwall, but it is not recommended for those who are not experienced in brickwork. This could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it is important to make sure that the wall is free of cables and pipes. Always consult a professional if you need to cut a hole in the wall for pipes and cables. Wearing safety goggles or a dust mask can allow you to avoid breathing in the sawdust that is created when cutting through your walls.

Select the Right Cat Flap

There are many different cat flaps on the market and all of them offer different features. Some flaps are equipped with security features, such as microchip recognition or magnetic locks that block entry by anyone who isn't authorized. They also keep your pet from letting guests or other animals into the house. Some have weatherproof seals and insulation to block out moisture and draughts.

There's also a variety of sizes depending on the size and breed of your pet. Certain cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are circular or square. The type of cat flap you choose will depend on the size of the opening and the kind of door or window you're installing it to.

The last thing to do is think about the opening mechanism the cat flap will employ. A simple aluminum or plastic swing-out door is one alternative and is usually the cheapest. It won't prevent other pets and cats from entering the room, and you could let in draughts.

It's time to put in your cat flap. Begin by marking the height of the belly on the door with a ruler. Use a spirit level to make sure that the line is sitting exactly on the door and not too low. Utilize your spirit level to draw a template of the cat flap. Then, using a Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil marks to make holes for screws.

Make the Tools

Like any DIY jobs, it's always recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. You'll need a cat flap, a pencil and tape measure, a spirit-level, a drill, and a jigsaw, depending on the type of door or window.

Contact the manufacturer prior to making any changes to a composite door. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to be damaged. In this case you'll likely require an additional pane of toughened glass instead.

For wooden or uPVC doors, you'll need to cut out the shape of your cat flap with the Jigsaw. Follow the guidelines given by the manufacturer. If possible, use a template to help you determine the size of hole you'll will need to cut.


After you have cut the hole, you'll have to sand the edges of the opening. This will help prevent future rust and water damage. You should also seal the holes in your window or door and the back of the flap to keep out rain and wind. After the sealant has dried, you're ready to install your new cat flap!

Install the Flap

If you want your cat to be able to move around at will, installing flaps can aid. It's a simple procedure that most people can complete by themselves, though you will likely require the assistance of an expert if you're installing the flap in the form of a glass door or another type of uPVC door.

Check out the directions included with your cat flap. There is a drawing of the template. This will give an idea of where the holes will be drilled to install the flap on the door. Note the areas you'll need to drill into with pencil.

After you have marked the area on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the design for the cat flap. It's a relatively easy task however, you'll need to be comfortable with a Jigsaw. Numerous companies will perform this work for you for a reasonable price if you are hesitant to do it yourself.

Then, screw the inner part of the door to the hole in your door. It might be necessary to seal the flap before you do this, in order to ensure it is weatherproof and watertight. The outside of your cat flap could be placed on top of the bolts, and then securing them. You must test the cat flap on your cat to make sure that it's working properly and that it allows them to enter and exit easily.