How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap allows your pet to move around the house at its own pace, which reduces stress for both you and your feline companion. Installing a cat flap can be a daunting task. The most important factor to success is preparation and careful consideration.
Get your tools and supplies. Mark the exact location of your flap on the door or wall.
Location
A cat flap allows your pet to explore, eat and play without having to open or close the door every time. It also gives your cat access to their cat food and litter box which helps keep them from arguing over it. The location of the cat flap is determined by your cat's needs as well as the layout of your house. The ideal location for the flap is an entrance from the back that leads to the garden as this creates a more concealed exit and entrance for your pet. This also keeps them safe from predators or wandering cats that could entrap your pet. You can also conceal the exit with pots or garden furniture to ensure your cat feels more comfortable.
Cat flap installers who are professional have years of experience fitting all kinds of cat flaps, from traditional ones to modern microchip-activated models. They can assist you in selecting the right type of cat flap for your home and pet by taking into consideration factors such as insulation, security and the ease of use. They can also put in your cat flap in a variety materials and places, including uPVC doors as well as glass windows and balconies. This minimizes damage to your home and ensures that the cat flap is installed correctly and is something you won't be able achieve yourself.
Before your Tasker comes to your home, prepare the cat flap, making sure that your pet has the right microchip fitted or collar tag that is compatible with the new cat flap. You should determine if the cat flap you pick is battery-powered or mains-powered. You'll need to replace the batteries frequently when you select the latter.
Type of door or window
A cat flap is an opening in a door or window that allows pets to come and leave as they please. They are available in a vast selection of sizes and materials to fit all pet species. They can also be outfitted with microchip technology that recognises the microchip of your pet and allows them to enter the house.
It is crucial to choose the right place for your cat's kennel to ensure their comfort and safety. It should be located in a door or window that opens to a garden or patio where your pet can feel at ease and secure through the flap. If this is not possible, place the flap near plants that your cat can hide behind. This will allow it to feel more secure as it passes through the flap.
It's best to hire an expert to install a cat flap. They have the knowledge and experience to install a variety of cat flaps on all kinds of windows and doors and even those that incorporate microchip technology. This will reduce the risk of damage to your property and ensure a perfect fit for you cat or kitten.
Ideally, the cat flap should be placed in the frame of a uPVC door or frame, as this will offer better insulation. Your installer will be able to guide you on how to put in a cat flap in a wooden or composite door. It may mean replacing the entire door and putting in a new one, in which the installer can cut the flap. This is more expensive and complicated than drilling or cutting a hole, but it's a great option for homeowners who don't want burglars gaining access to their home through cat flaps.
With a cat flap your cat is able to move around whenever it wants, without needing to open the door or window for it. However, many pet owners find that their cat is initially struggling with using the flap and may be difficult to train. There are a few simple tips you can employ to aid your cat to adjust to the new freedom they have and fall in love with the cat flap.
First, allow your cat to explore the new flap at their own pace. Moving the flap out of the box and putting it in a place where your cat spends a lot of time is one method to accomplish this. This will help them get familiar with the size, shape, and movement of your cat flap so that they'll less likely be afraid of it when you install it.
You can also leave the flap up a couple of weeks before installing it. This will give your cat the chance to see the flap from a variety of angles and explore it, ensuring that they are aware of the fact that there is an opening that they can open. This is particularly helpful with magnetic or opaque flaps which can be more difficult to train than transparent flaps.
Once you've decided on the place, use a spirit level to measure the door or window and mark an "X" in the middle of the area where the cat flap is to be put in. The ideal location is near where your cat normally is able to enter and exit the home to allow them to practice entering and exiting on their own, without unnecessary pressure. Then, use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole and free it from any remaining debris or loose material. This will stop your cat from snagging the edge of the flap when they first begin how to use it.
Safety
A cat flap installed in a door or window allows your pet to move around the home as they please, eliminating the need to constantly open and close doors. This freedom allows cats to roam their "territories" and exercise, reducing stress levels and boredom. This also prevents them from becoming obese or overeating, as they can reach their food bowls from outside.
A cat flap should be fitted on the opposite side of the home as your main entryway. If your pet is unhappy or frightened while out, they can quickly return to the house. You can also watch your pet more easily when they use the flap. You can see if they are eating well or if they've been pestered by other animals or neighbours.
You may also want to think about installing a lock on your cat's flap if you reside in a city that has strays and other animals. This will help keep your neighbours' cats out and your own in which will reduce the possibility of them being injured or lost. Installing motion-activated lighting near your cat flap will deter burglars.
A professional cat flap installer is skilled in installing different types of pet flaps to doors, uPVC panels and windows and will ensure that it is correctly fitted and aligned. This will help to minimise the risk of damage to your property and your cat will get accustomed to the new flap. It's also a good idea to have your installer close the opening on the flap to stop drafts and moisture from getting into the house.
Installation
A cat flap is a wonderful method to let your pet inside and out of the house without opening the door. There are a variety of options to install it in various windows and doors. However it is important to consider the safety and comfort of your pet should be a priority when deciding on the best place to put the cat flap. A professional cat-flap installer will make sure that your pet's new home is safe, secure and easy to use.
For an entrance that has a cat flap, it should be placed at the head level that makes it easier for your cat to enter and pass through the opening. The ideal location will depend on the door's positioning, your cat's habits, and any other obstacles or dangers nearby.
If you're installing the cat flap in a uPVC or composite door A professional will take extra care to prevent damage to the door's structure. They'll make sure the hole is large enough to fit the cat flap, but not too large as to compromise the door's integrity.
It is essential to use safety glass when installing the cat flap in windows. It is also important to ensure that there aren't any electric cables or pipes in the area you intend to cut the hole. Cutting through a brick wall could cause damage to the electrics, which can lead to instability of the wall as also leaks and weather damage from the outside. It is strongly recommended to hire someone to do the work for you. They have the expertise and know-how to install cat flaps on any type of door or window which will minimize property damage and ensuring your pet's safety.