COST GUIDES
Cat flap installation cost 2026: UK price guide
Updated 07/26
Cat flaps (and dog flaps) give your pet the freedom to come and go as they please. But how much does cat flap installation cost, and does it matter whether you're fitting it in a uPVC door, a glass panel, or an external wall? This guide covers all the main scenarios.
Fast Facts
Average cost for a small cat flap in a uPVC door: £100
Average cost for a large cat flap in a uPVC door: £130
Average cost to fit a small cat flap in an external wall: £270
How much does cat flap installation cost in 2026?
The cost of installing a cat flap will depend on the size, type, material of the door, and complexity of the job.
Small cat flap installation cost
| Job type | Material costs | Labour costs | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small pet flap fitting on UPVC door panel | £50 | £50 | £100 |
| Replace glass door panel with uPVC panel and fit small-sized flap | £80 | £100 | £180 |
| Small pet flap fitted into external wall | £120 | £150 | £270 |
| Small pet flap fitted into glass French door | £80 | £100 | £180 |
| Small pet flap fitting on wooden door | £50 | £70 | £120 |
| Small pet flap fitted into composite doors | £80 | £80 | £160 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
Installing a small cat flap in a uPVC door costs an average of £100
Installing a small cat flap in a glass French door normally costs in the region of £180
Fitting a small cat flap into an external wall costs around £270
Large cat flap installation cost
| Job type | Material costs | Labour costs | Total cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Large pet flap fitting on UPVC door panel | £50 | £80 | £130 |
| Replace glass door panel with uPVC panel and fit large-sized pet flap | £100 | £150 | £250 |
| Large pet flap fitted into external wall | £200 | £250 | £450 |
| Large pet flap fitted into glass French door | £100 | £150 | £250 |
| Large pet flap fitting on wooden door | £60 | £70 | £130 |
| Large pet flap fitted into composite doors | £90 | £100 | £190 |
| Last updated: July 2026 Our costs are ballpark averages - get a local tradesperson to quote now | |||
Fitting a large cat flap into a uPVC door starts from around £130
Installing a large cat flap in a double glazing normally costs around £250
Fitting a large cat flap into an external wall costs in the region of £450
Cost of cat flap installation by door or wall type
Before choosing a cat flap, it's worth thinking about where you'd like it fitted and the material it's going into.
Each of these options will involve different amounts of labour and will therefore come at a different cost.
How much does it cost to fit a cat flap in a wall?
The average cost to install a cat flap in a wall is between £270 for a small one and £450 for a large one.
A cat flap installer will have the tools, knowledge, and skills needed to protect the integrity of your wall when carrying out this job. In particular, installing a cat flap in a wall requires some brickwork and power tools.
How much does it cost to fit a cat flap in a uPVC door?
The average cost to install a cat flap in a uPVC door is between £100 for a small one and £130 for a large one.
If you want to install a cat flap in a uPVC door, your installer will remove a cat flap-sized panel from the door, install the cat flap, and seal it to prevent unwanted draughts.
How much does it cost to fit a cat flap in a patio door?
The average cost to install a cat flap in a patio door is £150–£220.
The total cost will depend on what type of patio door you have. It may also involve glasswork or other materials, which can drive up the price.
How much does it cost to fit a cat flap in a glass door?
Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £160–£200 for cat flap installation in glass, depending on the cat flap size and the type of glazing
Yes, you can put a cat flap in a glass door - such as a French door - but it's more involved than fitting one in uPVC or wood.
Most modern double-glazed units use toughened glass, which cannot be drilled or cut on site. Instead, your installer will need to order a replacement glass panel with the cat flap cut-out pre-made at the factory.
This is why cat flap installation in glass costs more than other door types. It also means you should allow extra time for the unit to be manufactured and delivered.
Find a cat flap fitter near you
What affects the cost of cat flap installation?
The material the cat flap is being fitted into: Installing a flap into glass or brickwork is more labour-intensive compared to uPVC or wood
Type of cat flap: Microchip, magnetic, and infrared flaps cost more than classic types of cat flap
Size: Larger pet flaps cost more to install than smaller options
Complexity: Installing in an awkward-to-reach area may add time and cost, and ordering custom door panels adds even more
Labour charges: Expect to find regional variances in labour rates, with London and the South East being higher
Hidden costs of cat flap installation to watch out for
The cost of a new uPVC panel, if you're replacing a glass section
Finishing materials - for example, sealant, insulation, or tunnel kits
Any security upgrades you need for your pet's safety, perhaps installing CCTV and or outdoor security lights
VAT
Try the job estimator tool
Want an approximate quote for your cat flap installation? Type out a few details, such as the type and size of flap and the material of your door, into our job estimate calculator.
The calculator will use Checkatrade costing data to give you an idea of what you can expect to pay. Try it out!
Job Estimate Calculator
Types of cat flaps
There are lots of different types of cat flaps on the market nowadays.
1. The classic cat flap
These are the most common cat flaps found around the world. They're cheap, effective, and will let cats come and go as they please.
However, they can easily let heat escape from your home. Plus, they could potentially allow other small animals to sneak in.
2. Lockable pet flaps
These are similar to classic cat flaps, but they can be locked, offering slightly better security.
This helps to keep bad weather and unwanted visitors out of your home.
3. Infrared, magnetic, and microchip pet flaps
These designs are all at the more expensive end of the market, but they provide the highest security a cat flap can offer.
Infrared or magnetic pet flaps: You'll get a sensor to put on your cat's collar. This will allow them to pass in and out of your home.
Microchip cat flaps: A chip is placed under your pet's skin. This will correspond to your cat flap to offer the highest level of security.
Can you fit a cat flap yourself?
In a solid wooden door, yes, with the right hole saw and sealant.
In glass, uPVC, or composite, it's a different matter. Cutting into these materials without specialist tools risks cracking the door or voiding any guarantees.
For a more detailed walkthrough of the process, see our guide on fitting a cat flap.
Without the right training and tools, you run the risk of a poorly-fitted cat flap. This could let in draughts and cause your energy bills to spike. At worst, it could provide ample opportunity for a potential home invader.
You might also find you pay more in the long run if you end up having to hire an installer to rectify your mistakes.
How to find a cat flap fitter
To get started finding a tradesperson to fit your cat flap, enter your postcode into our search tool. Then you can browse cat flap installers working in your area and reach out to get quotes.
Find a cat flap fitter near you
You can also post your job to hear back from tradespeople offering cat flap fitting in your area, or download the Checkatrade app!
Cat flap fitting cost checklist
Use this checklist to keep track of the things to sort before you book a cat flap installer.
Cat flap installation cost checklist
Before contacting a tradesperson, here's what to check:
FAQs about cat flap installation costs
Yes, but you'll need to hire a cat flap installer who can replace or cut into the glazing panel.
This type of cat flap installation is more expensive, but entirely possible. Most modern units use toughened glass, so the installer will need to order a pre-cut replacement panel rather than drill on site.
Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £180-£250, depending on the cat flap size and the type of glass you have.
Sometimes. Some home insurers may take cat flaps into account. It's a good idea to check with your provider before undertaking the work.
If you'd rather not cut into a door or glass panel, you can have a cat flap fitted through an external wall instead. Wall installations cost more due to the brickwork involved, but they leave your doors intact.
Some owners also use a microchip-activated cat door in a wall, which gives pets access without compromising the look of the door.
Yes, you can fit a basic cat flap in a solid wooden door yourself if you're confident with a jigsaw and sealant. However, for uPVC, composite, or glass doors, you should hire a tradesperson who knows what they're doing. Cutting these materials incorrectly can crack the panel and invalidate the door's guarantee.
Most cat flap installations take around two hours. Wall installations take longer, typically half a day, due to the brickwork involved.
A big exception is if you're installing a cat flap into a door with glass panels. Installation itself can take just a few hours, but the door panel will need to be ordered - so incorporate lead time for that.
Need help choosing the right door? Explore our guides on internal, composite and front doors — or find checked door fitting services near you to get tailored advice.
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