How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap permits your pet to go in and out of the house whenever they want and reduces stress for you and your pet. However, installing a cat flap is not an simple task. Preparation and consideration are the key to success.
Take your tools and other materials. Then mark the exact position of the flap on your door or wall.
Location
A cat flap allows your pet to explore, eat, and play without having to open or shut the door every time. It also allows your cat access to their cat litter box and food bowl which helps keep them from fighting over it. The location of the cat flap is determined by the needs of your cat and the layout of your home. The ideal location for an animal flap is a back door that leads to the garden, as it provides a more secure escape and entry point for your pet. It also keeps them from being exposed to other predators and other cats that might attack them. You can also cover the exit with pots or garden furniture to ensure your cat feels more secure.
cat flap installer near me have years of experience fitting all types of cat flaps, from traditional ones to modern microchip-activated models. They can help you choose the most suitable flap for your house and cat, based on aspects like security, insulation and ease of use. They can also put in your cat flap in a variety materials and locations, including uPVC doors, glass windows, and balconies. This minimises property damage and ensures a seamless fit that you won't be able to accomplish by yourself.
You should prepare your cat flap before your Tasker arrives. Make sure that your pet has a collar tag or microchip that is compatible with the cat flap you have chosen. It is also important to check whether the flap you've chosen is powered by mains power or comes with a battery backup. You will need to change the batteries frequently when you select the latter.
Type of door or window
A cat flap is a door in a window or door that allows pets to enter and go as they wish. They are available in a vast range of sizes and materials to fit every pet. They can also be fitted with a microchip, which allows your pet to enter the home.
It is important that you choose the right location for your cat flap to ensure their comfort and safety. It should be positioned in a window or door that opens onto a patio or garden in a place where your pet feels safe and secure while passing through the flap. If this isn't feasible put the flap in close proximity to plants that your cat can get a place to hide behind. This will allow it to feel more secure while passing through the flap.
It's best to hire a professional to install the cat flap. They have the knowledge and experience to install a wide variety of cat flaps, including those that feature microchip technology, in every kind of door and windows. This minimizes the chance of property damage and guarantees an ideal fit for your cat or kitten.
Ideally, the cat flap should be placed in a uPVC door or frame in order to offer more insulation. Your installer can advise you on how to put in an animal flap in a wooden or composite door. It might be necessary to replace the entire panel of the door with a brand new one that your installer can cut the cat flap. This is more expensive and complex than drilling or cutting a hole, but a good solution for homeowners who don't want burglars to gain access to their home through cat flaps.
Cat Accessibility
With a cat flap, your cat is able to leave and come back whenever it wants, without needing to open the window or door for it. Many pet owners notice that their cat has difficulty using the flap for the first time and it can be a challenge to train them. There are, however, some simple tips you can follow to help your cat quickly become comfortable with their new freedom and become enthralled with their cat flap.
First, let your cat explore the flap at their own pace. Moving the flap out of the box and leaving it in a place where your cat spends much of the time is one method of doing this. This will help them become familiar with the shape, size and motion of your cat's flap so that they are less likely be afraid of it when you install it.
You could also leave the flap propped open for a few weeks prior to when you install it. This will allow your cat to explore the flap and view it from every angle, so they are aware that there is an opening. This is particularly helpful with magnetic or opaque flaps, which can be more difficult to train than transparent flaps.
After you've chosen a place take a measurement of the window or door with a spirit-level and draw an 'X' in the middle of the area 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 let them practice getting in and out on their own, without unnecessary pressure. Next, use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole and clear it of any remaining debris or loose materials. This will stop your cat from grabbing the edge of the flap when they first begin to use it.
Safety
A cat flap placed in a door or window allows your pet to move around the house at their own pace, eliminating the need to open and close doors. This freedom allows cats to roam around their "territories" and exercise, reducing stress levels and boredom. It also prevents them from eating too much and gaining weight because they are able to access their food bowls from outside.
Idealy, the cat flap should be placed on the same side as the main entrance. If your pet is ill or scared when they are outside, they can quickly return to their home. You can also monitor your pets more easily when they use the flap. You can check whether they're eating properly or if they've been harassed by a neighbour or other animal.
It's also worth installing locks on your cat's flap, particularly if live in an urban area with many strays or other animals. This will help keep the cats of your neighbors out and your own in, reducing the risk of them becoming injured or lost. It is also a good idea to install motion-activated lighting near your cat's flap to discourage intruders from coming near the flap.
A skilled cat flap installer is experienced in the process of installing different types of pet flaps onto doors, uPVC panels and windows, and can ensure that it is properly fitted and properly aligned. This will help to minimise the damage to your property, and your cat will be familiar with the new flap. It is also a great idea to ask your installer to close the opening of the cat flap to prevent drafts and moisture from getting into the house.
Installation
A cat flap allows your pet to enter and exit the home without opening the door. There are many possibilities for installing it on different doors and windows. When choosing the location of the cat flap, you must take into consideration the safety and comfort for your pet. A professional cat flap installer will ensure that your pet's new entry point is secure, safe and simple to use.
For doors, the cat flap should be placed at head high that makes it easier for your cat to walk through and pass through the opening. The best location will depend on your front door's location, your cat's habits, as well as any other obstructions or hazards in the vicinity.
A professional will be extra careful to ensure that they don't damage the structure of the door when installing a cat flap onto the uPVC door or composite door. They will make sure that the hole is large enough to accommodate the cat flap but not so large as to compromise door integrity.
It is crucial to use safety glass when putting the cat flap in a window. It's also essential to make sure there are no electric cables or pipes in the space where you plan to cut the hole. Cutting into a wall can damage the electrics, create the wall to be unstable and lead to leaks. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional to handle the work for you. They have the expertise and know-how to install a cat flap in any type of door or window, minimising property damage and keeping your pets safe.