How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap lets your pet enter and exit the house at his own pace, reducing stress for both you and your feline companion. Installing a cat flap could be a challenging task. Planning and preparation are the keys to success.
Get your tools and supplies. Mark the exact location of the flap on your door or wall.
Location
A cat flap lets your pet to go out to 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 which can help prevent them from fighting. The location of the flap is dependent on the needs of your cat and the arrangement of your home. A great place to put the flap is a back door that connects to the garden, since this creates a more concealed access point and exit for your pet. This will also keep your pet safe from predators or stray cats who may ambush your pet. You can also hide the exit using plant pots or garden furniture to make your cat feel more secure.
Professional cat flap installers have experience installing a variety of cat flaps, from traditional to the latest microchip-activated models. They can help you choose the best flap for your home and cat, considering aspects like insulation, security and ease of use. They can also set up your cat flap in a variety of materials and locations, such as uPVC doors or glass windows, as well as balconies. This minimizes damage to property and ensures a perfect installation that you wouldn't be able to achieve by yourself.
Before your Tasker arrives at your home, you should prepare the cat flap by making sure that your pet is wearing the correct microchip fitted or collar tag that is compatible with the new cat flap. You should determine if the cat flap you choose is powered by batteries or mains power. If the latter, you'll need to frequently change the batteries, and so it is important to think about this prior to booking a Tasker for your installation.
Type of door or window
A cat flap is a small opening in a door or window, which allows pets to move around whenever they want. They are available in a vast variety of sizes and materials to fit every pet. They can also be outfitted with microchip technology which recognizes your pet's microchip and allows them to enter your home.
The placement of the cat flap is vital to your pet's comfort and safety. Ideally, it should be placed in a door or window that opens to a sheltered garden or patio area where your pet can enjoy a safe and secure space when passing through the cat flap. If this isn't feasible then place the flap close to plants that your cat can hide behind. This will make it feel more secure as it passes through the flap.
It is recommended to hire an expert to install a cat flap. They have the expertise and experience to install a variety of cat flaps in all kinds of windows and doors and even those that incorporate microchip technology. This reduces the risk of damage to your property and ensure that the flap is a perfect fit for your cat or kitten.
The cat flap should ideally be installed in an uPVC frame or door, as it will provide better insulation. If you're looking to install a cat flap into an existing wooden or composite door, your installer will be able to guide you on the best method to do this. It could mean replacing the entire door and putting in a new one in which the installer can cut the flap. This is more expensive and complex than drilling or cutting a hole, however, it is a viable option for homeowners who don't want burglars gaining access to their home through cat flaps.
Cat Accessibility
With a cat flap your cat will be able to leave and come back anytime it wants without having to open the window or door for it. Many pet owners notice that their cat struggles to use the flap for the first time and it can be difficult to train them. There are a few simple techniques you can employ to aid your cat to adjust to the new freedoms and fall in love with their flap.
First, let upvc cat flap door panels explore the flap at their own pace. Moving the flap out of the box and leaving it in a place where your cat spends long periods of time is a good way to do this. This will allow them to become familiar with the design, shape and movement of the flap, so they are less likely to be wary of it when you install it.
You could also leave the flap open for a few weeks prior to when you put it in. This will give your cat a chance to view the flap from all angles and explore it, so that they are aware of the fact that there is a new opening to explore. This is especially beneficial for magnetic or opaque flaps, which can be harder to train than transparent flaps.
Once you've settled on the location, measure the door or window using a spirit-level and mark an 'X' in the middle of the area where the cat flap will be placed. Ideally, this will be near where your cat normally is able to enter and exit the home to allow them to practice entering and exiting independently without unnecessary pressure. Next, use fine sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the hole, and then clear it from any remaining debris or loose material. This will prevent your cat from snagging the flap's edge as they begin to use it.
Safety
A cat flap installed in the door or window lets your pet to leave and enter the house at their own pace and eliminates the need to open and close doors. This freedom allows cats to explore their "territories" and exercise which reduces stress levels and boredom. It also prevents the cat from eating too much and becoming obese because they can access their food bowls from outside.
Idealy, the cat flap should be placed on the same side as the main entrance. So, if your pet is ill or frightened while out they can easily return to the house. You can also supervise your pets more easily as they use the flap. You can see whether they're eating well or if they've been pestered by a neighbour or other animal.
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 keep your cat safe and the neighbor's out, reducing the chance of them getting injured or getting lost. Installing motion-activated lighting around your cat's flap will deter intruders.
Cat flap installers who are professional are highly experienced and have the knowledge to correctly align and install all kinds of pet flaps to doors, uPVC panel and windows. This minimises property damage and allows your cat to get used to the new flap and creates a safe and comfortable experience for them. It's also a great idea to have your installer close the opening on the flap to stop drafts and moisture from getting into the home.
Installation
A cat flap lets your pet to go in and out of the home without opening the door. There are numerous possibilities for installing it on different doors and windows. However, the safety and comfort of your pet should be the top priority when choosing a location for the cat flap. A professional cat flap installer can ensure that your pet's new home is safe, secure, and easy to use.
For a door that has a cat flap, it should be set at a head height, which makes it easier for your cat to walk through and pass through the opening. 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 avoid damaging the structure of the door when installing a cat flap onto a uPVC door or composite door. They'll ensure that the hole is large enough to accommodate the cat flap, but not so large as to compromise the integrity of the door.
It is important to only use safety glass when installing the cat flap into windows. It is also important to ensure that there aren't any electric cables or pipes in the area you want to cut. Cutting into walls can damage the electrics, cause the wall to become unstable and lead to leaks. It is highly recommended that you hire a professional to do the work for you. They have the expertise and know-how to put a cat flap in any kind of window or door which will minimize property damage and ensuring your pet's safety.