How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap permits your pet to leave and enter the house whenever they want which reduces stress for you and your pet. However, installing a cat flap isn't an simple task. The crucial factor in success is preparation and careful consideration.
Start by gathering your tools and other materials. Determine the exact location of your flap on the door or wall.
Location
A cat flap allows your pet to go out and explore, eat and play without you having to open and shut the door every time. It also lets your cat access their litter box and food which can help prevent them from fighting. The location of the flap depends on your cat's needs and the arrangement of your home. The most suitable place to put in a cat flap is a backdoor that leads into the garden. This will allow your cat to enter and exit in a more discreet manner. It will also prevent your cat from being vulnerable to predators and wild cats that could attack them. You can also cover the exit using pots or furniture in your garden to ensure your cat is comfortable.
Professional cat flap installers are experienced in installing a variety of cat flaps, from traditional to the latest microchip-activated models. They can help you choose the best cat flap for your cat and home by taking into account factors such as insulation, security and user-friendliness. They can place your cat's flap on a variety of materials and locations, including uPVC, glass, and balconies. This minimizes damage to your home and ensures that the cat flap fits perfectly, something you wouldn't be able achieve by yourself.
Before your Tasker comes to your home, you should prepare the cat flap by making sure that your pet has the appropriate microchip fitted or collar tag that is compatible with the cat flap you have chosen. You will need to check whether the cat flap you pick is battery-powered or mains powered. If the latter is the case, you will need to regularly replace the batteries, so it's important to consider this prior to booking the Tasker for your installation.
The type of door or window
A cat flap is an opening in a door or window, which allows pets to go and come whenever they want. They are available in a vast selection of sizes and materials to fit every pet. They can also be outfitted with microchip technology that recognises your pet's microchip and allows them to be used in the home.
The placement of a cat flap is important to your pet's comfort and safety. Ideally, it should be situated in an opening or door that opens to a protected patio or garden area where your pet will be able to have a secure and safe environment when passing through the flap. If this is not possible then place the flap close to plants that your cat can be sheltered behind. This will allow it to feel more secure while passing through the flap.
When installing a cat flap it is recommended to hire an expert. They have the experience and knowledge to install a variety of cat flaps, including ones with microchip technology, in all types of doors and windows. This reduces the risk of causing damage to your home and ensure a perfect fit for your cat or kitten.
The cat flap should ideally be installed into a uPVC frame or door, as it can provide more insulation. If you're planning to install an animal flap to a wooden or composite door the 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 will be able to cut the flap. This is more costly and complicated than drilling or cutting a hole however, it is a viable option for homeowners who do not want burglars to gain access to their homes through cat flaps.
Cat Accessibility
With a cat flap, your cat can come and go whenever it wants without you having to open the door or window for it. Many pet owners discover that their cat is unable to use the new flap at first and it can be a challenge to train them. There are some simple tricks you can use to aid your cat to adjust to the new freedoms they enjoy and fall in love with their cat flap.
Firstly, try giving your cat a chance explore the new area in their own way. This can be accomplished by taking the cat flap from the box and putting it in a place where your cat will spend the majority of their time. This will allow them to get familiar with the design, shape and motion of the flap, so they are less likely to be frightened of it when you install it.
You can also leave the flap propped open for a few weeks before you put it in. This will allow your cat to explore the flap and view it from all angles to ensure that they know there is a new opening. This is particularly helpful with magnetic or opaque flaps which can be harder to train than transparent ones.
After you have chosen the place, use a spirit level to measure the door or window and place an "X" in the middle where the cat flap is to 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 on their own, without unnecessary pressure. Then, use fine sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the hole and free it of any remaining debris or loose materials. This will prevent your cat from snagging the flap's edge when they first learn to use it.
Safety
A cat flap that is installed on the door or window lets your pet to enter and exit the house at their own pace without having to constantly open and close doors. This freedom allows cats to roam around their "territories" and exercise to reduce stress levels and boredom. It also helps prevent them from over-eating and obesity as they are able to access their food bowls from outside.
The ideal cat flap should be set on the same side as the main entrance. This means that your pet will be able to go back into the house quickly if they're feeling uneasy or afraid outside. You can also watch your pets more easily when they use the flap. You can see whether they're eating properly or if they've been pestered by a neighbour or other animal.
You may also want to consider installing a lock for your cat flap if reside in a city that has cats and strays. This will keep your cat inside and out of the neighborhood, reducing the chance of them getting injured or lost. It's also a great idea to put motion-activated lights near your cat's flap to deter intruders from approaching the flap.
Cat flap installers who are professional are highly skilled and possess the knowledge to correctly align and fit all types of pet flaps to doors, uPVC panel and windows. This will help to minimise the risk of damage to your property and your cat will get comfortable with the new flap. It is also a good idea to have the installer close the opening of the flap to prevent moisture and drafts from entering the house.
Installation
A cat flap is an excellent method to let your pet in and out of the home without having to open the door. It can be put in a variety of doors and windows and there's bound to be a solution that is suitable for your home. However, the safety and comfort of your pet should be the top priority when choosing the place to put the cat flap. A professional cat flap installer will ensure that your pet's new entrance is safe, secure and easy to use.
The cat flap should be placed above the head of the door in order to allow the cat to go through and get to the door. The best placement will also depend on the door's position, your cat’s habits, as well as any other obstacles or dangers in the vicinity.
A professional will be extra careful to avoid damaging the structure of the door when installing a cat flap on a uPVC door or composite door. They'll ensure that the hole is big enough to fit the cat flap, but not so large that it compromises the integrity of the door.
It is crucial to use safety glass when putting the cat flap into the window. It is also important to ensure that there aren't any pipes or electric cables in the area you plan to cut. Cutting into walls can damage the electrics, and cause the wall to be unstable and cause leaks. It is recommended that you hire a professional to do the work for you. They have the experience and know-how to put cat flaps on any kind of window or door which will minimize property damage and ensuring your pet's safety.