Install Cat Door in Swiss Apartment – Step-by-Step Guide 2025

How to Install a Cat Door in a Swiss Apartment – A Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Can you install a cat door in a Swiss apartment? As more pet lovers in Switzerland choose indoor-outdoor lifestyles for their cats, installing a cat flap (also known as a cat door) has become a popular home improvement project, especially in cities like Zurich, Zug, and Sankt Gallen. But if you’re a renter or live in a shared building, you may be wondering: Can I install a cat door legally and safely?

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of installing a cat door in Switzerland, the legal considerations, and how a trusted handyman in Zurich or other Swiss cities can help.

Install a Cat Door in a Swiss Apartment: What’s Allowed?

Yes — but with conditions.

In Swiss rental apartments, you generally need written permission from your landlord before making permanent changes to doors, windows, or walls. Installing a cat flap usually involves cutting into a wooden or glass door, so it’s considered a structural alteration.

Some landlords may allow it if:

  • The original door can be restored when you move out

     

  • The installation is neat and reversible

     

  • You hire a qualified professional 

     

💡 Tip: If you have a balcony or garden, some renters opt for installing a cat door into the balcony door or a side wall, depending on the layout.

Types of Cat Doors – Which One Should You Choose?

Type Description Pros Cons

Manual Flap

Basic swinging flap
Affordable, simple
Less insulation, no security

Lockable Cat Door

Can be locked manually
Added control
Still accessible to other animals

Microchip Cat Flap

Only opens for your pet
Secure, weatherproof
More expensive, needs power

Glass Panel Cat Door

Installed in glass doors/windows
Sleek design
Requires professional installation

How to Install a Cat Door – Step by Step

Option 1: Wood or PVC Door

  1. Measure your cat – Ensure the flap is at the right height.

  2. Mark the door – Use the template provided.

  3. Drill pilot holes – One in each corner of the template.

  4. Cut the hole – Use a jigsaw for clean edges.

  5. Install the flap – Secure it using screws or brackets.

  6. Seal the edges – Use silicone to prevent drafts.

Option 2: Glass Door or Wall

This installation requires special tools and experience. Cutting into glass or masonry should always be done by a professional.

💡 Want it done right? Book a qualified handwerker in Zürich or your area via MyProfessional.ch. We connect you directly with verified pros.

Legal & Practical Considerations

  • Get landlord approval in writing.

  • Use a removable panel if permanent modifications aren’t allowed.

  • For glass doors, replacement glass with a pre-cut hole is often required.

  • Ask about building rules — especially in shared properties or old buildings.

If you’re unsure how to install a cat door in your Swiss apartment, always consult a professional, especially for glass or wall installations.
For more information on Swiss tenant rights, check the Swiss Tenants’ Association website.

Costs in Switzerland (2025)

Installation Type Price Range

Manual cat flap (DIY)

CHF 30 – 80

Manual + Handyman

CHF 120 – 250

Microchip cat flap + Pro install

CHF 300 – 600

Glass door solution

CHF 450 – 900+

Why Book a Handyman via MyProfessional.ch?

Installing a cat door may seem like a simple task, but improper installation can cause damage, drafts, or even lead to rent disputes.

Here’s why clients in Zurich, Zug, and Sankt Gallen book with us:

Available for extra services like furniture assembly, light installation, or moving & recycling

Install a Cat Door in Your Swiss Apartment – With Help from a Pro

Skip the stress and book a handyman near you on MyProfessional.ch. Whether you’re looking for a handwerker Zürich, handyman services in Zug, or just want help from a private handwerker gesucht in your area — we’ve got you covered.

Request a Free Quote Today

Let your cat roam freely and install a cat door in your Swiss apartment the right way, with professional help.
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