Fitting a cat flap

Whether you’re wondering how to install a cat flap in a wood, uPVC or metal door, we’ll talk you through the process. And we’ll also look at how much it might cost to hire a professional for fitting a cat flap.

How to install a cat flap

When it comes to fitting a cat flap, we recommend hiring a professional to carry out the work.

However, if you’re an experienced DIY enthusiast, cat flaps usually come with an installation kit that typically includes a paper template showing you exactly where you need to drill holes to fit the cat flap.

How to fit a cat flap in a wooden door

As a general rule, the simplest way to fit a cat flap is within a flat panel of a wooden door. You just need to make sure the installation is watertight to stop rain from penetrating the door.

Here’s how to install a cat flap in a wooden door in 7 steps:

1. Measure your kitty – Start by measuring the distance between the floor and the lowest point of your cat’s belly (which on most cats is usually about 10-12cm). If you have more than one cat, you’ll want to go with the measurement for your smallest cat
2. Mark up your door – Using the above measurement, draw a mark in the middle of the door at the same height from the floor. Then position your cat flat template so that the centre of the bottom edge sits on the mark you’ve just drawn, then mark the four corners of the cat flap on the door and connect those marks with straight lines to show the four edges of the cat flap
3. Drill holes – With the four corners already marked, simply drill holes all the way through the door in those four places
4. Saw along the lines – Pop on safety goggles and dust protection mask and then, using a jigsaw, cut out the opening for your new cat flap. Cut slowly and carefully along the lines you’ve drawn, taking your time to make sure you keep along the lines
5. Smooth the edges – Before fitting a cat flap, smooth the edges with sandpaper. Again, go slowly and keep an eye on the lines to make sure you don’t remove too much of the door
6. Drill screw holes – With the opening cut out, take your cat flap and align it with the opening and mark the screw holes with a pencil. Now drill holes through the door on those marked points
7. Screw your cat flap together – The final stage of fitting a cat flap is positioning the inside part against the opening in the door and aligning the screw holes with the holes in the door. Then, push the screws through and tighten them with a screwdriver. Finally, attach the outer part of your cat flap to the outside of the door (usually you’ll use nuts to fix the outer part in place). Job done!

How to fit a cat flap in a uPVC or composite door

If you’re dealing with a uPVC or composite door, the best way to fit a cat flap will depend on your specific door as the composition of these types of doors can vary a lot.

Some uPVC doors can be fairly thin and brittle (especially in cold weather) and others incorporate a sheet of ply, mdf or even aluminium for added strength.

Due to the nature of uPVC and composite doors, we would always recommend hiring a professional to install a cat flap for you.

How to fit a cat flap in a glass door

Glass doors are slightly trickier for fitting a cat flap, and you always need the right tools to safely and successfully install a cat flap.

Before attempting to install a cat flap, any untreated single-glazed glass should be replaced by toughened safety glass.

As with uPVC and composite doors, we always recommend getting a skilled professional to install a cat flap for you. That way you avoid the hassle and potential safety hazards of doing the job yourself.

How to fit a cat flap in a brick wall

The process for fitting a cat flap into a brick wall involves cutting a rectangular hole through the wall (whether it’s a solid or cavity wall).

Before installing the cat flap, you need to make sure that there are no electric cables or pipes (gas, water or waste) where you are going to cut into the wall.

You also want to make sure that your cat flap isn’t too close to a door or window, as creating the hole for the cat flap could weaken the structure of the wall.

If you’re not experienced with masonry work, we would highly recommend getting professional help. Cutting into brick walls can cause a number of issues, if not done properly, including damage to cables and pipework, instability of the wall, and leaks and weather damage from the outside.

How much does it cost to put in a cat flap?

The cost of putting in a cat flap in the UK can vary, but you’ll be looking to pay somewhere in the region of £100 to £270 for materials and labour.

Costs for fitting a cat flap

Here are some of the average costs (material + labour) for fitting a cat flap in the UK:

• Small pet flap fitting on UPVC door panel – £100
• Replace glass door panel with uPVC panel and fit small-sized flap – £180
• Small pet flap fitted into external wall – £270
• Small pet flap fitted into glass French door – £180
• Small pet flap fitting on wooden door – £120
• Small pet flap fitted into composite doors – £160

Factors affecting the cost of fitting a cat flap

There are a number of factors that can affect the price of installing a cat flap, including:

• Type of door or wall
• Size of the cat flap
• Type of cat flap
• Any prep work needed
• Complexity of installation

Want to know more about prices? Check out our guide to cat flap installation costs.

So, how do you fit a cat flap…? Hire a professional!

If you are planning to install a cat flap in your home, we can help you find the best local cat flap fitters in your area.

You can either use our quick and easy online search to find and contact local cat flap fitters yourself. Or, alternatively, request a quote and we’ll do the legwork for you by reaching out to the best local tradespeople near you and we’ll get them to contact you directly.

FAQs

Do I need a cat flap?

If you have a cat, you might be wondering if you need a cat flap fitted in your home. So, do you need a cat flap? Here are some of the benefits of having a cat flap fitted:

• Freedom for your cat – With a cat flap, your cat can come and go as they please without you having to constantly let them in and out
• Don’t get disturbed at night – No more being woken by your cat meowing to be let out while you’re sleeping
• More exercise for your cat – Cats that live in a home with a cat flap are typically more independent and get more exercise, which helps keep them healthy and means they’re less likely to suffer from health problems such as obesity and diabetes
• Safety and shelter – As well as giving them freedom, a cat flap also gives your cat safety and shelter from hostile neighbourhood cats, predators (like a local fox) or bad weather. A microchip cat flap will ensure that only your cat can use the cat flap

What size cat flap do I need?

The best way to work out the size of the cat flap that you need is to measure your cat(s). There are two main measurements you’ll want to take:

• Measure their width – The widest part of your cat will usually be their chest or hips, so take a measurement from one side to the other
• Measure their torso – Excluding their legs, you want to measure the longest part of your cat’s torso, which is usually from the top of their shoulders to the bottom of their chest or stomach

Alternatively, here are some rough guides of cat flap size based on the weight of your cat:

• Up to 5kg = 14cm x 12cm
• 6kg = 14cm x 15cm
• 7kg+ = 17cm x 17cm

How high do cats need a cat flap fitted?

To position the cat flap at the right height in your door or wall, you’ll want to measure the distance from the ground to the bottom of your cat’s belly. If you have multiple cats, take the measurement for the smallest of your cats.

You then need to fit the cat flap so that the bottom edge is at the same height as the bottom of your cat’s belly. That way, they will be able to comfortably use the cat flap at the right height.