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Installing a cat flap might appear daunting but it's simple by following the correct instructions. Decide how high you'd like the cat flap (normally it's located at the belly height). Mark this point on your door and then use the template provided to guide you when drilling.

If you have a small kitten hold the door open a bit and gradually push it to go through. Reward the kitten every time it passes.

Take a measurement of the door

A cat flap is a great method to allow your pet to leave and come inside and out of your house as it likes. This will help keep your cat healthy by making sure that it is getting exercise as well as being able to get back in if trapped outside in bad weather, particularly during the winter. It can also reduce the amount of time you have to spend letting it in or out and will also help protect your home by letting you be aware of when it went out.

However, it is important that the flap for your cat is fitted correctly to prevent your pet from being able to escape through it or be pushed through by any other animals (e.g. dogs). It is essential to measure the height of your pet's belly and the doorway of your house in order to make sure that the flap is at the proper height. You can adjust the position of your flap if your cat is taller or smaller than average.

Next, use cat flap fitters -level to mark the middle of the door. This is where you'll install the flap. Then, using the markings as an outline, cut the contour of your flap on the door with the aid of a jigsaw. Once you've cut the area, sand the edges of the door to create smooth surfaces. You can then drill any fixing holes needed.

The installation of a cat flap should not take longer than two hours. However, the process could be a little more complicated when you have to install it onto a uPVC or composite door since these doors come in various thicknesses that can affect the way the holes are cut and the type of door they are fixed to. We always recommend to contact an expert if this is your first experience working with glass.

Measure Your Cat

You can save yourself hours of listening to the pet's meow to be let in or out. This is particularly useful when you're at work all day and your cat is inside waiting until you get home in all weathers.

It is essential to measure your cat first before attempting to install. Although it might seem like to be a simple task, it is essential to get the measurement right or your cat will be unable to use.

First, make sure that your cat is calm prior to taking measurements. You'll need to keep them in a manner that they cannot move and also ensure that the measuring tape or ruler is flat against their body, not bending in any place. Keeping the measuring tape or ruler against their body from the top of their head to the bottom of their tail will enable you to get an exact measurement.

Once you've got the measurement of your cat, it is time to take a look at the door and decide where you want to place the flap. Place the flap at the level of your cat's belly. This will allow them to pass through the door without much effort. This will also stop the flap from making a lot noise as it swings back and forward.

You will also need to take into consideration the thickness and structure of the uPVC door or composite. Although timber doors are of the same thickness, uPVC and composite doors may differ in their overall design, which can make fitting the cat flap more difficult because you must 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 cat flap kit to locate an illustration template that can be used to mark the position of the hole in the door. This will allow you to see where the opening needs to be and also ensure that the template is correctly positioned on the door. It is also beneficial to use a spirit-level to ensure that the template is placed in a straight line against the door.

Cut the Flap

Before you can install your cat flap you have to cut the door panel in order to create a space large enough for it. This is a difficult task and it is recommended that you seek the help of a professional cat flap fitter to complete this task if you don't have the skills or experience to tackle it yourself. It is also recommended to review the directions that come with the cat flap kit to learn how to do it correctly.

You can take the height of your cat's or kitten's stomach to guide you. In general you should place the flap around 10-15 centimeters higher than the ground. This is the average height of the belly for cats. This way your cat will be able to move through the flap comfortably and it will also give other cats or snooping neighbours an issue when trying to get in or out.

Mark the position of the cat flap on the door using pencil. If your kit comes with a paper template, lay this over the door and use the marks to drill holes into each corner of the template. You will then be able to cut out the design of the template and replace it with your cat flap.

If you are installing your cat flap on an entryway made of wood or uPVC, you are able to do it yourself if you feel confident enough to handle 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 square or a circle, depending on how you'd like to cut it. Make sure to take your time and don't try to force the jigsaw to cut faster.

Once the hole is made then carefully insert the flap of cat food into its new home and make sure that it's securely fixed. If it has caps on the screws, then place these onto the screws that protrude. After the screws are installed, sand the rough edges and seal any gaps. This will block draughts from entering your home.

Install the Flap

If you have a simple cat flap, you can open it and encourage your pet to use it by putting a little bit of cat food on the outside of the door. You can also push the cat with a stick or your hand. Once your cat is accustomed to walking through the flap, it should be able to go in and out as it wishes and you should be able to let it in or out without having to be there to open the door for it throughout the day (and potentially in all weather conditions).

It is possible to install an animal flap into the UPVC doors or glass door, but it's not as simple as putting one inside a wooden exterior door. This is because UPVC doors and some types of glass doors don't have a uniform thickness. This can have a major impact on how you cut the flap hole and also whether the flap fits correctly after installation.

Depending on the type of cat flap you choose, it may come with its own mounting kit and template that shows exactly where to drill holes for it. If the kit doesn't include a template you can use a photocopier to make your own. When cutting, it is important to keep the jigsaw from being pushed too far enough to make a larger hole than is necessary in your door.

The majority of cat flaps are square or rectangular in shape, however there are some that are circular, and they are typically more difficult to fit. If you have a circular flap, make sure the hole is in the correct place on the door. In the event that it is not, the cat might not be able to use it, and might be stuck outside the whole day (or at night).

Some models of cat flap have locks which let you regulate when your cat comes and goes. These are very helpful when you're worried about your pet going out at night and then coming back in because of the darkness, or if you're at work for the entire day. Certain locks can be used for either access or exit, and others can be locked both ways. This is beneficial for older cats or sick cats who do not want to venture out in cold weather.