How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap lets your pet move around the house at their own pace, reducing stress for both you and your feline companion. However, installing a cat flap isn't an simple task. Preparation and consideration are the most important factors to success.
Take your tools and other materials. Mark the exact location of the flap on your wall or door.
Location
A cat flap lets your pet to go out and explore, eat, and play without you having to open and close the door every time. It also lets your cat access their food and litter box and prevents them from fighting. The location of the cat flap is determined by your cat's needs as well as the layout of your home. A good place for a cat flap is a back door that connects to the garden, since it provides a more secure access point and exit for your pet. It will also prevent them from feeling exposed to other predators and other cats that might attack them. You can also cover the exit using pots or furniture in your garden to ensure your cat is comfortable.
Professional cat flap installers are experienced in installing a variety of cat flaps ranging from traditional to the latest microchip activated models. They can advise you on the most suitable flap for your home and cat, considering factors like security, insulation and user-friendliness. They can put your cat's flap on a variety of materials and locations including uPVC or glass balconies. This minimizes damage to property and ensures a seamless fit that you won't be able to achieve by yourself.
Before cat flap fitters arrives at your home, prepare the cat flap by ensuring that your pet has the appropriate microchip fitted or collar tag that is compatible with the new cat flap. You must determine if the cat flap you pick is powered by batteries or mains power. If the latter, you will need to regularly change the batteries, and so it's crucial to take this into consideration prior to booking the Tasker for your installation.
The type of door or window
A cat flap is an opening in a window or door, which allows pets to move around at their own pace. They are available in a broad selection of sizes and materials to fit all pets. They can be fitted with a microchip which lets your pet enter the house.
It is important that you choose the right location for your cat flap to ensure their comfort and safety. Ideally, it should be placed in an opening or door that opens to an enclosed patio or garden area where your pet will be able to have a secure and safe space when passing through the cat flap. If this isn't possible make sure to place the flap close to plants that your pet can be sheltered behind to help it feel safer when passing through the flap.
It's best to hire a professional to install the cat flap. They have the expertise and experience to install a variety of cat flaps on all types of windows and doors and even those that incorporate microchip technology. This reduces the chance of causing damage to your home and ensure a perfect fit for you cat or kitten.
The ideal cat flap should be installed in the frame of a uPVC frame or door in order to offer greater insulation. If you're planning to install a cat flap into an existing wooden or composite door or frame, your installer will be able to advise you on the best method to accomplish this. It could mean replacing the entire door and putting in a new one in which the installer can cut the cat flap. This is more expensive and more complicated than drilling or cutting a hole but a good solution for homeowners who do not want burglars to gain access to their homes through cat flaps.
Cat Accessibility
With a cat flap, your cat is able to leave and come back whenever it wants, without having to open your door or window for it. However many pet owners discover that their cat initially struggles with the new flap and can be difficult to train. There are some simple tips you can employ to aid your cat in getting used to the new freedoms they enjoy and fall in love with their flap.
The first step is to allow your cat to explore the flap at their own pace. This can be done by taking the flap from the box and placing it in a place where your cat spends most of their time. This will allow them to get used to the shape, size, and movement of your cat flap so that they are less likely be afraid of it when you install it.
You can also keep the flap up several weeks prior to installing it. This gives your cat a chance to look at the flap from all angles and explore it, so they are aware that there is a new opening to explore. This is particularly helpful for magnetized or opaque flaps that can be more difficult to train than transparent ones.
Once you've decided on the place, use a spirit level to measure the door or the window and then mark an "X" in the middle of the area where the cat flap is to be installed. Ideally, this will be close to where your cat typically enters and exits the house so that they can practice entering and exiting independently without unnecessary pressure. Then, use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole, and then clear it of any remaining debris or loose materials. This will stop your cat from getting caught on the flap's edge as they become familiar with it.
Safety
A cat flap that is installed on the window or door allows your pet to leave and enter the house as they wish without having to open and close doors. This allows cats to explore their "territories" and to exercise, which helps reduce stress and boredom. This also helps prevent them from becoming overweight or overeating since they can access their food bowls outdoors.
The ideal cat flap should be installed 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 out. It's also easier for you to supervise your pets as they use the flap and you can determine if they are eating correctly or if they have been pestered by neighbours or other animals.
You may also want to consider installing a secure lock for your cat flap if reside in a city that has strays and other animals. This will help to keep the cats of your neighbors out and your own in, reducing the risk of them being injured or lost. Installing motion-activated lighting near your cat flap will deter burglars.
Professional cat flap installers are highly skilled and have the expertise to properly align and install all kinds of pet flaps to doors, uPVC panel and windows. This minimises property damage and also helps your cat adjust to the new flap, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for them. It is also a good idea to have the installer close the opening of the cat flap in order to stop drafts and moisture entering the house.
Installation
A cat flap is a wonderful way to let your pet inside and out of your home without opening the door. There are numerous options to install it on different doors and windows. However, the safety and comfort of your pet should be your top concern when choosing the place to put the cat flap. A professional cat-flap installer will make sure your pet's new entry is secure, safe and easy to use.
The flap for cats should be positioned over the head of the door to allow the cat to walk through and approach the opening. The best location will depend on the front door's location, your cat's habits, as well as any other obstacles or dangers nearby.
A professional will take extra care to ensure that they don't damage the structure of the door when installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite door. They will ensure that the hole is big enough to accommodate the cat flap but not so large as to damage the integrity of the door.
It is crucial to use safety glass when putting the cat flap in the window. It's also essential to ensure that there aren't any electrical cables or pipes in the space where you plan to cut the hole. Cutting into a wall can damage the electrics, and cause the wall to be unstable and cause leaks. It's highly recommended that you hire a professional to handle the job for you. They are able to install a cat-flap in any door or window. This will minimise the damage to your property and keep your pets safe.