A cat flap allows your pet to move around the house at its own pace, reducing stress for both you and your pet. However, installing a cat flap isn't an simple task. The most important factor to success is preparation and consideration.
Gather your tools and materials. Then mark the exact position of the flap on your wall or door.
Location
A cat flap allows your pet to go outside and explore, eat, and play without you having to open and shut the door every time. It also allows your cat to access their food and litter box and prevents them from fighting. The location of the flap depends on your cat's needs and the arrangement of your home. A great place to put the flap is a back door that leads to the garden, as it provides a more secure access point and exit for your pet. It also keeps them safe from predators and stray cats who may ambush your pet. You can also hide the exit with plant pots or garden furniture to make your cat feel more comfortable.
Professional cat flap installers have experience installing a variety of cat flaps from traditional to the most recent microchip-activated models. They can assist you in choosing the best cat flap for your home and pet by taking into account factors such as insulation, security and user-friendliness. They can place your cat's flap on a variety materials and locations including uPVC or glass balconies. This reduces the risk of damage to your home and ensures that the cat flap fits perfectly and is something you won't be in a position to do yourself.
Before your Tasker arrives at your home, prepare the cat flap by ensuring that your pet is wearing the correct microchip fitted or collar tag that is compatible with the cat flap you have chosen. You should determine if the cat flap you pick is battery-powered or mains powered. You'll have to change the batteries frequently in the event that you select the latter.
Type of door or window
A cat flap is a door in a window or door that allows pets to come and go as they wish. They are available in a vast selection of sizes and materials to fit all pets. They are also available with microchip technology that recognizes the microchip of your pet and allows them to be used in the home.
The location of a cat flap is important to your pet's comfort and safety. Ideally, it should be placed near an opening or door that opens out onto a sheltered garden or patio space where your pet can have a secure and safe surroundings when he or she enters the flap. If this isn't feasible, make sure to place the flap close to the plants your pet can be sheltered behind to help it feel more secure while passing through the cat flap.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install the cat flap. They have the knowledge and experience to install a range of cat flaps, including those that feature microchip technology in all types of doors and windows. This reduces the chance of causing damage to your home and ensure that the flap is a perfect fit for your cat or kitten.
The cat flap should ideally be installed in a uPVC frame or door, since it will provide better insulation. If you're planning to install a cat flap into the door made of wood or composite or frame, your installer will be able to advise you on the best method to accomplish this. It could mean replacing the entire panel of the door and installing a new one where the installer can cut the cat flap. This is more complex and expensive than a simple drilling or cutting hole, but it is a good option for homeowners who want to prevent burglars from accessing their homes through cat flaps that don't lock.
Cat Accessibility
With a cat flap your cat can move around whenever it wants without you needing to open the door or window. However there are many pet owners who find that their cat is initially struggling with the flap and may be difficult to train. There are, however, some simple tips you can follow to help your cat quickly become comfortable with their new freedom and be captivated by their cat flap.
In the beginning, you should give your cat the chance to explore their new space on their own terms. The removal of the flap of the box and leaving it in an area where your cat spends much of the time is one way to do this. This will allow them to get familiar with the shape, size and motion of the flap, so they are less likely to be wary of it when you finally install it.
You can also try leaving the flap open for a few weeks before you put it in. This will give your cat the chance to view the flap from every angle and explore it, so they are aware of the fact that there is an opening that they can open. This is particularly helpful with opaque or magnetic flaps, which can be more difficult to train than transparent flaps.
Once you've settled on a location you want to use, measure the window or door with a spirit level, and then mark an 'X' at the centre where the cat flap will be put in. It is best to place it close to the place where your cat usually goes in and out of the house to allow them to practice entering and exiting on their own, without unnecessary pressure. Next, use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole and free it from any remaining debris or loose materials. This will prevent your cat from grabbing the flap's edge when they first learn how to use it.
Safety
A cat flap installed in a door or window allows your pet to move around the house at their own pace without having to keep opening and closing doors. This freedom allows cats to roam their "territories" and exercise, reducing stress levels and boredom. It also helps prevent the cat from eating too much and becoming obese as they can access their food bowls from outside.
The ideal place for the cat flap should be set on the same side as the main entrance. This means that your pet will be able to return to the home quickly if they're uncomfortable or scared outside. It's also easier for you to supervise your pets as they use the flap and you can check whether they are eating well or if they have been pestered by neighbours or other animals.
It is also worth considering installing a lock on your cat flap, particularly if live in an urban area that has a lot of stray cats or other animals around. This will help keep the neighbours' cats out and yours in which will reduce the possibility of them becoming injured or lost. It is also a good idea to install motion-activated lights near your cat's flap to discourage burglars from coming close to the flap.
A skilled cat flap installer is knowledgeable in installing all kinds of pet flaps to doors, uPVC panels and windows and can make sure that the flap is properly installed and aligned. This will minimize property damage, and your cat will get accustomed to the new flap. It is also a great idea to ask your installer to seal the opening to the flap to keep drafts and moisture from getting into the house.
Installation
A cat flap allows your pet to get in and out of the home without opening the door. There are many options to install it in various windows and doors. When choosing the location of the cat flap, you should think about the safety and comfort for your pet. A professional cat flap installer will ensure that your pet's new home is secure, safe and simple to use.
For a door the flap for cats should be placed at the head height, which makes it easier for your cat to enter and exit through the door. The best location will depend on your front door's positioning, your cat's habits, as well as any other obstructions or hazards nearby.
A professional will take extra care to ensure that they don't damage the structure of the door when installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite door. They'll make sure that the hole is large enough to fit the cat flap, but not so large as to compromise the door's integrity.
When putting the cat flap inside a window, it's important to make sure that you use only toughened safety glass. It's also essential to ensure there aren't any electrical cables or pipes in the area where you plan to cut the hole. Cutting through a brick wall could cause damage to the electrics and lead to instability of the wall as well as leaks and weather damage from the outside. It's highly recommended that you employ a professional to complete the work. They have the experience and know-how for installing a cat flap in any type of door or window to minimize damage to your property and keeping your pets safe.