How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap lets your pet enter and exit the house at his own pace, which reduces stress for both you and your cat. However installing a cat flap is not an easy task. The most important factor to success is preparation and consideration.
Get your tools and supplies. Then mark the exact location of the flap on your door or wall.
Location
A cat flap lets your pet go outside to explore, eat and play without needing to open or close the door every time. It also allows your cat access to their cat's food and litter box which helps keep them from arguing over it. The place of the flap will depend on your cat's needs and the arrangement of your home. A great place to put an animal flap is an entrance from the back that leads to the garden, as it provides a more secure exit and entrance for your pet. This also keeps your pet safe from predators or 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 are experienced in fitting all kinds of cat flaps, ranging from traditional flaps to the latest microchip-activated models. They can assist you in selecting the appropriate cat flap for your home and cat by taking into consideration factors such as insulation, security, and the ease of use. They can also install your cat flap in a variety of materials and places, including uPVC doors or glass windows, as well as balconies. This minimizes damage to your property and ensures that the cat flap is installed correctly, something you wouldn't be capable of doing yourself.
Before your Tasker arrives at your home, prepare the cat flap by making sure that your pet has the right microchip or collar tag that is compatible with the new cat flap. Also, check whether the flap you've selected is powered by mains power or has a battery backup. If the latter, you'll have to regularly change the batteries, so it's crucial to take this into consideration before booking an installation with a Tasker.
The 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 broad selection of sizes and materials to fit every pet. They can be equipped with a microchip which lets your pet enter the house.
The positioning of the cat flap is vital to your pet's safety and comfort. It should be positioned in a door or window that opens onto a patio or garden where your pet can feel safe and secure when passing through the flap. If this isn't feasible, consider placing the flap near to the plants your pet can hide behind to make it feel safer when passing through the flap.
When installing a cat flap it is recommended to hire an expert. They have the knowledge and expertise to install a variety of cat flaps on all kinds of windows and doors as well as those that utilize microchip technology. This reduces the chance of causing damage to your property and ensure that the flap is a perfect fit for you cat or kitten.
Ideally, the cat flap should be set in a uPVC frame or door, as this will offer better insulation. Your installer will be able to guide you on how to install a cat flap in the case of a wooden or composite door. It may involve replacing the whole panel of the door with a brand new one into which your installer can cut in the cat flap. This will be more complicated and expensive than drilling or cutting hole however, it's a great option for homeowners who wish to prevent burglars from accessing their homes through cat flaps that aren't locked.
Cat Accessibility
A cat flap allows your cat to go and come at will, without needing you to open the door or window to allow it. Many pet owners notice that their cat is unable to use the new flap at first and it can be difficult to train them. There are, however, some easy tips to help your cat adjust to their new freedom and become enthralled with their cat flap.
The first step is to allow your cat to explore the flap at their own pace. This can be accomplished by removing the flap out of the box and placing it in the area where your cat will spend the majority of their time. This will allow them to become familiar with the design, shape and motion of the flap, and they are less likely to be afraid of it when you finally install it.
You can also keep the flap propped up for a couple of weeks before installing it. This gives your cat a chance to see the flap from every angle and explore it, ensuring that they are aware of the fact that there is a new opening to explore. This is especially helpful with magnetized or opaque flaps that are more difficult to train than transparent ones.
Once you've decided on the place, use a spirit level to measure the door or window and then mark an "X" in the middle where the cat flap is to be placed. This should be close to where your cat usually goes in and out of the house, so that they can exercise without feeling pressure. Next, use fine sandpaper to smooth the edges of the hole and free it of any remaining debris or loose material. This will stop your cat from snagging the flap's edge when they first begin how to use it.
Safety
Installing a cat flap in the window or door lets your pet to enter the house and exit as they please. This eliminates the necessity of opening and closing the door constantly. This allows cats to roam around their "territories" and exercise which reduces stress levels and boredom. This also helps prevent them from becoming obese or overeating because they can reach their food bowls outdoors.
Idealy, the cat flap should be set on the same side as the main entrance. This way, your pet can return to the home quickly if they're uneasy or afraid outside. You can also watch your pets more easily as they use the flap. You can determine if they are eating well or if they've been yelled at by other animals or neighbours.
You may also consider installing a secure lock for your cat flap if live in a city with pets and stray animals. This will keep your cat inside and out of the neighborhood, reducing the chance of them getting injured or getting lost. Installing motion-activated lighting near your cat flap will deter intruders.
A skilled cat flap installer is highly experienced in the process of installing different types of pet flaps onto doors, uPVC panels and windows and can make sure that the flap is properly installed and aligned. This will help to minimise the damage to your property, and your cat will be comfortable with the new flap. It is recommended to have the installer seal the opening of the cat flap to prevent moisture and drafts from entering the home.
Installation
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet into and out of your home without opening the door. It can be installed in many doors and windows, so there's bound to be a suitable option for your home. However it is important to consider the safety and comfort of your pet should be the top priority when choosing the location for the cat flap. A professional cat flap installer will ensure your pet's new entry is secure, safe and simple to use.
For a door, the cat flap should be placed at the head level, which makes it easier for your cat to approach and walk through the opening. The ideal location will depend on the location of your front door, your cat's behavior and any other obstructions or dangers that may be in the area.
If you're installing the cat flap on a uPVC or composite door, a professional will take extra care to prevent damage to the door's structure. They will make sure that the hole is large enough to accommodate the cat flap but not so large as to compromise door integrity.
When putting the cat flap in windows, it's essential to make sure that you use only toughened safety glass. upvc cat flap door panels is also important to ensure there aren't any electric cables or pipes in the space where you plan to cut the hole. Cutting through a wall could damage the electrics, create the wall to be unstable and could cause leaks. It's highly recommended that you employ a professional to complete the work. They have the experience and know-how to put the cat flap on any kind of window or door which will minimize property damage and ensuring your pet's safety.