How to Choose a Cat Flap Installer
A cat flap permits your pet to leave and enter the house whenever they want, reducing stress for both you and your feline friend. However, installing a cat flap isn't an easy task. Preparation and consideration are the keys to success.
Begin by gathering your tools and other materials. Mark the exact location of the flap on your door or wall.
Location
A cat flap allows your pet to go out and explore, eat, and play without having to open and shut the door each time. It also allows your feline friend access to their cat food and litter box, helping to keep them from arguing over it. The place of the flap will depend on the needs of your cat as well as the arrangement of your home. The most suitable place to put in a cat flap would be an entrance to the garden. This will allow your pet to exit and enter in a more private manner. It also keeps them from feeling vulnerable to predators and wild cats that could attack them. You can also conceal the exit using pots or furniture in your garden to make your cat feel more at ease.
Professional cat flap installers have experience installing all types of cat flaps ranging from traditional to the most recent microchip-activated models. They can assist you in choosing the best type of flap for your house and cat, taking into account aspects like insulation, security and ease of use. They can also set up your cat flap in a variety materials and places, including uPVC doors or glass windows, as well as balconies. This minimizes the damage to your property and ensures that the cat flap is installed correctly, something you wouldn't be in a position to do yourself.
You should prepare your cat's cage before your Tasker arrives. Be sure that your pet has an identification tag or microchip that is compatible with your new cat flap. You must determine if the cat flap you choose is battery-powered or mains-powered. If it is the latter, you will need to regularly change the batteries, so it's important to consider this before 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 move around at their own pace. They are available in a broad range of sizes and materials that can be used by every pet. They can be equipped with a microchip which allows your pet to be allowed into the house.
The positioning 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 an enclosed patio or garden area where your pet will be able to have a secure and safe environment when passing through the flap. If this isn't feasible, make sure to place the flap near to plants that your pet can be sheltered behind to help it feel more secure while passing through the cat flap.
When installing a cat flap, it's best to use a professional. They have the knowledge and experience to install a range of cat flaps, including those with microchip technology, in all types of doors and windows. This reduces the risk of property damage and ensures the perfect fit for your cat or kitten.
The ideal cat flap should be set in the frame of a uPVC door or frame in order to offer better insulation. If you're planning to install a cat flap into the door made of wood or composite, your installer can advise you on the best method to do this. It may require replacing the entire door and installing a new one where the installer will be able to cut the cat flap. This is more costly and complicated than drilling or cutting a hole but a good solution for homeowners who do not want burglars to gain access to their homes via cat flaps.
Cat Accessibility
A cat flap lets your cat to come and go whenever it wants without the need to open the door or window to allow it. Many pet owners find their cat struggles to use the new flap at first and it can be difficult to train them. There are cat flap installers near me can use to help your cat get used to the new freedom they have and fall in love their flap.
First, let your cat explore the new flap at their own pace. This can be done by removing the flap out of the box and putting it in an area in which your cat spends the majority of their time. This will allow them to get familiar with the design, shape and motion of the flap, and they are less likely to be frightened of it once you do install it.
You can also keep the flap propped up for a couple of weeks before installing it. This allows your cat to explore the flap and view it from all angles, so they are aware that there is a new opening. This is particularly helpful with opaque or magnetic flaps, which are more difficult to train than transparent ones.
Once you've decided on a place, measure the window or door using a spirit level, and then mark an 'X' in the center of where the cat flap will be placed. The ideal location is close to where your cat typically goes in and out of the house to let them practice entering and exiting on their own without any unnecessary pressure. Next, use fine sandpaper to smooth out the edges of the hole and clear it from any remaining debris or loose material. This will stop your cat from grabbing the edge of the flap when they first learn how to use it.
Safety
Installing a cat flap in the window or door lets your pet to enter the house and leave as they like. This removes the necessity of opening and closing the door continuously. This allows cats to explore their "territories" and to exercise, which helps reduce boredom and stress. It also prevents them from eating too much and gaining weight since they are able to access their food bowls from outside.
The ideal place for the cat flap should be placed on the side of the main entrance. This way, your pet can return to the house quickly if they're feeling uneasy or afraid outside. It's also easier to watch your pets when they use the flap, and you can check whether they are eating correctly or if they've been snatched by neighbors or other animals.
You may also want to consider installing a secure lock for your cat's flap if you live in a place that is populated by cats and strays. This will keep your cat inside and your neighbors out, reducing the chance of them getting injured or getting lost. It is also a good idea to put motion-activated lights near your cat's flap to deter intruders from approaching the flap.
A skilled cat flap installer is highly knowledgeable in installing all kinds of pet flaps onto doors, uPVC panels and windows, and can ensure that it is properly fitted and aligned. This reduces the risk of damage to your property and helps your cat to get used to the new flap, making it a safe and enjoyable experience for them. It's also a good idea to have the installer seal the opening to the cat flap to prevent drafts and moisture from entering the house.
Installation
A cat flap is a wonderful option to let your pet inside and out of the home without having to open the door. There are many options for installing it in various windows and doors. However the safety and security of your pet should be your top concern when choosing the location for the cat flap. A professional cat flap installer will make sure that your pet's new entrance is safe, secure, and simple to use.
For doors, the cat flap should be placed at head height that makes it easier for your cat to approach and exit through the door. The best location will depend on the door's positioning, your cat's behavior, as well as any other obstacles or dangers nearby.
A professional will take extra care to avoid damaging the structure of the door when installing a cat flap on the uPVC door or composite door. They will make sure the hole is big enough to accommodate the cat flap but not so large as to compromise door integrity.
When putting the cat flap in a window, it's important to make sure you use only toughened safety glass. It is also important to ensure that there aren't any electrical cables or pipes in the area where you plan to cut the hole. Cutting into walls can damage the electrics, and cause the wall to become unstable and lead to leaks. It is strongly recommended to employ a professional to complete the work for you. They have the experience and know-how for installing cat flaps on any type of door or window, minimising property damage and ensuring your pet's safety.