With a cat flap, you can let your cat enter and exit your home on their own. This lets your pet move freely and promotes exercise. It also prevents obesity and reduces boredom.
Taskers can fit cat flaps into wooden or uPVC doors Some can also use wall installations. They start by marking the location of the door, then drilling around its corners.
How do I install a Cat Flap
A cat flap allows your pet to go outside without having to open the door or window. This is helpful if you're working late or concerned about leaving your cat alone for extended periods of time. There are a variety of cat flaps available on market, and some let you pre-program when your cat can go in or out. Certain cat flaps come with magnets that make opening and closing easier. The most important thing is to select an animal flap that is suitable to your pet's and home's requirements.
While it's possible to fit an animal flap on your own, it's generally better to employ a Tasker to do it for you. This will ensure that the flap is a perfect fit and that it's sealed properly to keep unwanted drafts from entering your home. There are several Taskers who specialize in cat flap installation and you'll find one near you who can install your pet's brand new entrance.
Airtasker makes it easy to locate a Tasker who can install your cat flap. You'll have to specify the type of cat-flap you'd like, along with your postcode and address to find local pet Taskers. Contact them to discuss the project and set a time and date.
The cost of cat flap installation starts at PS100. The cost will vary based on the cat flap you choose and the size of the door or wall and the kind. However, it's worth noting that some Taskers offer specialised services like installing smart cat flaps that can program to allow your cat to enter at certain times of the day.
If you're installing an egress flap on your uPVC or composite door, it's often best to hire a specialist. These doors are made from thicker materials, which are difficult to cut using the power saw. A professional can employ their tools with care and safety to avoid damaging your wall or door.
You could also consider a pet-door that is attached to your garden or home instead of your front door. These are more expensive but offer a safer and more secure option for your cat.
Safety
A cat flap is an easy method to allow your pet to come and go whenever it wants. It is still important to take precautions to prevent unwanted intruders entering your home. Installing motion-activated lights near your door will warn you of any possible intruders, and frighten them away. You can also add a cat-shaped sign to your front door to inform the intruders know that you aren't trustworthy and have pets.
The first step in installing a cat flap is to prepare the door for its new opening. Remove any old hardware from the door and sand the edges to smoothen them. This will stop your cat from escaping into your home through the gap. It will also protect the door from rain and wind. You can achieve this with the use of fine-grit sandpaper.
Once you have prepared the door, you are able to drill and cut it for the cat flap. When drilling and cutting the door, be sure to employ a jigsaw that has a blade that cuts slowly and doesn't generate lots of dust. Wear a mask and safety glasses if possible to avoid inhaling dust particles. These tools will help you get the job done quicker and will ensure your safety.
There are many types of cat flaps, however the classic with the two-way pet door is the most popular. This type of door is typically simple to install, however it can be utilized by any cat in the neighbourhood. You can also install a microchip cat flap that recognizes your pet's electronic tag and permits entry only to them. These doors are more expensive, but safer than traditional flaps.
A cat flap can be put in the garage. This will stop your cats fighting over the litter box or food items in the garage. This type of door can be put in easily in a wooden or uPVC door, but it might require a professional installation in the case of a panelled door. You can also purchase a garage pet door that is fire-rated and meets building and fire codes.
Security
You should take some security measures prior to installing a cat flap in your home. For example, you should ensure that the flap isn't overly big and that it is locked at night. This will prevent heat from escaping and keep other animals from your home. Smart cat flaps let you program the time your cat can leave the house. This is useful if you're late for work or stuck in traffic.
If your cat isn't used to using an outdoor litter box then it might need to use one inside for a short time. Once it becomes accustomed to using a litter tray outdoors, encourage it to use it at least twice a day. This will help your cat remain physically active and mentally stimulated. It will also reduce the chance of accidents with toilets within the home. It will also reduce the amount of cat litter you need to buy.
A microchip cat door is another option for a higher level security. This type of cat flap makes use of a microchip to scan your cat's fur and allow it to enter your home only if its microchip matches the number in the memory of the pet door. You can even program the pet door to allow entry by more than one microchip. This is a great option for households that have multiple cats or who live in a crowded neighborhood.
There are magnetic cat flaps that use magnets to block access. They're effective but not as secure as microchips cat flaps. They're less secure and could fail in extreme weather conditions such as freezing temperatures. You'll also require a magnetic collar in order to use these cat doors.
It is important to hire an expert to put up your cat flap. They have the right tools and know-how to perform the task correctly. If you attempt to install it yourself, it could result in a poorly fitted cat flap that lets in drafts and could be an easy entry point for a burglar. You may also injure your cat.
Training
If your cat or kitten has never used a flap before, it could take some time to get used to it. For the first few days of training, it is best to open the door. You can use treats or toys to encourage your cat to walk through the opening. This will boost their confidence and help them feel more comfortable. If you have a very fearful or nervous cat Try placing the flap into an empty cardboard box and using Cling film to mimic the opening. This will help increase their confidence prior to the actual installation. It is also important to avoid physically picking up your pet and requiring them to go through the flap since this could create a negative image with it.
Once your pet is used to using the flap you may close the door so that other animals are not able to enter. This can be done by removing the peg or locking the flap over night. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk is best to do this using the lock that is secure and confident that your dog won't enter the house while you are sleeping or working.
It's important that you train your cat to associate this door with positive feelings. You can accomplish this by letting them play with the flap from different angles and then opening and closing it in their presence. You can use toys that move when the pet pushes it, such as an elastic toy or pull toy. You can also place some plants or potted plants close to the exit to create a safe place to ensure your pet feels secure exiting the home.
Selective entry cat flaps allow your pet to enter the flap, but not other animals. These doors can detect your pet's microchip or collar key and unlock the flap when it detects an appropriate match. These cat flaps are a great way to lessen stress and avoid conflict between your cats, especially if you have more than one.