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Installing a cat flap your home is an excellent step for any pet owner. There are many options available for you, whether your cat is getting older and needs extra security or you have kittens who need to be checked.

It can be a bit daunting for those who aren't professionals to put in a cat flap, but with right instructions it's easy. Preparation, planning and precision are the keys.

Select the Right Door or Window

There are a variety of cat flaps, including some with locks that can be used to keep your pet from going out or inside, and others that have modern features such as microchips or a door entry system. It is important to consider how easy it is for your cat to teach to use the flap prior to making a purchase and fit one.

It is recommended to put the cat flap, based on the style of your home, in a window that opens into a sheltered garden area. This will allow your cat to feel safe when entering or leaving your home. If you can, this will also give them a route back in should they get chased by a cat or by humans intent to harm them.

It's possible to install a cat-flap inside a uPVC or composite door, but it isn't as simple as installing one into a wood door. This is because uPVC and composite doors are available in a variety of thicknesses, and this can impact the way holes are cut as well as the material you're fixing it into.

To avoid costly errors It is recommended to consult a professional glazier prior to installing the flap on a door with a glass front. If you're installing the flap on the door made of wood, start by introduction of your cat to it prior to fitting it so that they can become familiar with its shape and size and explore it from every angle.

Take a look at your cat's belly measurement

You'll need your cat's measurements to ensure that the cat flap you install is a good fit. This will enable you to ensure that the cat flap is placed at the correct height on the window or door, and that it's big enough for him to get in and exit easily.

Place your pet on its back and gently move your fingers over their belly. Feel for any fat pads that are squishy which could be visible on their lower back, face and legs. The extra padding shields your pet and allows it to move more freely, especially when performing feline circus skills.

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

Take a measurement of your window or door

As the name suggests the cat flap is designed to be affixed to the door, and offers the pet with a way to go in or out at any time it wishes. They are usually made from plastic or aluminium and simply rest in the middle of the door. They have an open door that is opened by pushing lightly on either side. The flaps are available with locking options that offer added security, so that your cat is not able to walk through the door from outside.

Cat flaps are also often used in windows. They are easy to be installed, but they have to be placed at an elevated level since cats and dogs find it difficult to get them. If the window is not high enough to use the flap for cats, you can opt for ramps, steps, or stairs that are specially designed to aid the animal in getting to it.

A cat flap could also be fitted to a brick wall, but it is not recommended unless you are skilled in masonry work as it could weaken the wall's structure. Before you begin, it's essential to make sure that the wall is free of pipes and cables. It is recommended to consult a professional if you need to create a hole for pipes and cables. It is also recommended to wear safety goggles and a dust protection mask to prevent inhaling any sawdust generated by cutting holes in the walls of your house.

Choose the right cat flap

There are many cat flaps on the market, and they have various features. Some have security options like magnetic locks or microchips that prevent unauthorized entry and also restrict your pet from letting friends or other animals into the home. Certain seals are weatherproof and have insulation to keep out moisture and draughts.

There are various sizes to choose from based on the size and breed of your pet. Some cat flaps are rectangular whereas others are square or circular. Selecting the best cat flap will be determined by the space you have available and the kind of window or door you want to attach it to.

Last but not least, think about the opening mechanism your cat flap will use. The cheapest option is a simple swing-out aluminum or plastic door. However, it won't prevent other cats or pets from gaining access and you could let draughts through as well.

It's time to install your cat flap. Start by marking the belly's height on the door with a ruler. Make use of a spirit-level to make sure the line is not too low and that it is straight across the door. Utilize your spirit level to draw a sketch of the cat flap. Then, using the Jigsaw, cut the outline of the door. Once you are happy with the result finish sanding the edges and drill through the pencil markings to make holes for screws.

Make composite door cat flap

Like all DIY tasks, it's recommended to have the right tools to complete the task. The most important things you'll require are the cat flap as well as a tape measure, an excellent pencil, a spirit level, drill, file, and a Jigsaw (depending on the windows or doors).

Consult the manufacturer before making any changes to a door made of composite. This could invalidate the warranty, or cause the weathertight seal to become damaged. In this scenario it's likely that you'll have to replace the glass with a fresh piece of toughened glass.

For wooden or uPVC doors will require cutting out the shape of your cat flap with the jigsaw and follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. If possible, you can use an example to mark out the dimensions of the hole you have to cut.





After you've made the hole, you'll need to smooth the edges of the opening to smooth them. This will help prevent any future water damage or rust. It is also recommended to cover the holes in your door or window and the side of the flap to keep out wind and rain. After the sealant has dried it is time to install your new cat-flap!

Install the Flap

The installation of a flap will allow your cat to move around whenever it wants. This is a straightforward process that most people can accomplish themselves, although you'll likely require the help of an expert if you're installing the flap on an unglazed door or any other kind of uPVC door.

Check out the directions that came with your cat flap. You will find a template drawing. This will give an idea of the location where the holes are to be drilled to install the flap to be placed in the door. Then, mark the areas that you'll need to drill with pencil.

After you have marked the door on your door, use the jigsaw and cut out the shape for the cat flap. It is a relatively simple task, but you will need to be comfortable using a jigsaw. If you are worried about doing this yourself, there are many companies that can do this for you at a minimal cost.

Then, attach the outer part to the hole in your door. You may need to apply sealant before doing this to ensure that it is weather and water resistant. You can then put the outer part of the flap on the top of the fixing bolts and tighten the bolts all together. You should test the flap on your cat to ensure that it functions properly and allows them to enter and exit easily.