With a cat flap you can let your cat leave and enter your home on their own. This allows your pet to have freedom of movement and encourages exercise as well as reducing obesity and boredom.
Some workers also deal with wall installations. They begin by marking the area of the door and drilling around the corners.
How do you install a Cat Flap
A cat flap lets your pet to go out without having to open a door or window. This is helpful for those who work late or concerned about leaving your cat in a secluded area for long periods of time. There are a variety of cat flaps on the market, and some even allow you to set a timer so that your cat can leave or enter. Some also feature magnets that allow for simple opening and closing. The most important thing to do is choose an animal flap that is suitable to your pet's and home's needs.
Although it is possible to install the flap yourself however, it's usually best to hire a Tasker to do the job for you. This will ensure that the flap is properly fitted and sealed to avoid unwanted draughts entering your home. There are many Taskers that specialize in installing cat flaps which is why you'll be able to find one near you who can install your pet's brand new entrance.
Finding a Tasker that will fit your cat's kennel is as simple as posting an application on Airtasker. You'll need to indicate the kind of cat-flap you'd like as well as your postal code and address to locate local pet Taskers. Contact them to discuss your project and arrange a date and time.
The average price for cat flap installation starts at PS100. This can vary depending on the kind of cat flap you choose to install and the size of your door or wall. It's important to note that some Taskers provide more specialised services, such as installing cat flaps that can program to let in your cat at specific times throughout the day.
It is recommended to hire a professional to install a cat flap onto your uPVC door or composite door. This is because these doors are constructed from thicker materials that may be difficult to cut using a power tool. A professional will be able to utilize their tools safely and carefully to avoid damaging your walls or doors.
You could also consider an animal-door that is connected to your home or garden instead of your front door. They can be more expensive, but they'll offer a more secure and safe option for your cat.
Safety
A cat flap is an easy way to let your pet move around as it wishes. However, you must take safety measures to prevent unwanted invaders from gaining access to your home. Installing motion-activated lighting near the door will alert you to any possible intruders, and frighten them away. You can also put an animal sign on your door to let intruders know that there are pets living on your property and cannot be believed.
The first step to installing the cat flap is to prepare the door for the new opening. Remove all old hardware from the door and sand down the edges to smoothen them. This will prevent your cat from sneaking into your home through the gap. This will protect the door from wind and rain. This can be achieved by using a fine-grit of sandpaper.
Once you have prepared the door, you are able to drill and cut it for the cat flap. Make use of a jigsaw tool that is slow and does not create much dust when cutting and drilling your door. Wear a mask and goggles if possible to avoid inhaling dust particles. Using these tools will not only guarantee your safety, but it will also help you get the job done faster.
There are many kinds of cat flaps available however the most popular is the one that has two-way pet doors. This kind of door is typically simple to set up, but it can be used by any cat that lives in the vicinity. You can install a microchip-based flap that can recognize your pet's electronic tags and only allows them to access. These doors are more expensive but safer than traditional flaps.
Another option is to install a cat flap on the garage door. This will stop your cats from fighting over the litter box or food inside the garage. This type door is simple to install in the form of a wooden door or uPVC however it might require professional installation when you have a panelled garage door. You can also buy a pet door that is fire rated for your garage to comply with fire and building codes.
Security
If you're thinking about installing a cat flap in your home, there are a few security measures that you should be aware of. For example, you should ensure that the flap isn't overly large and that it's locked at night. This will keep heat out of your home and other animals out. There are also cat flaps that let you pre-program when your cat is allowed to go outside. This is useful in the event that you need to work late or if you are stuck in traffic.
If your cat isn't used to using the toilet outdoors, it might need to use an indoor litter tray for a few days. Once it is used to using a outdoor litter tray, encourage it to use it at least twice each day. This will keep your cat physically and mentally active. It will also lower the chance of accidents with toilets within the home. cat flap fitters will also decrease how much cat litter you have to buy.
A microchip cat door is another option for a higher level security. This kind of cat flap makes use of a microchip to scan your cat's fur and allow it to enter your home only if the microchip is compatible with the code stored in the pet door's memory. You can program the pet door to ensure that it permits access for more than one microchip. This can be a good option for households with several cats or if you live in a crowded area.
There are magnetic cat flaps that use magnets to block access. They can be effective but aren't as secure as microchip cat flaps. They are also less reliable and may fail in extreme weather conditions, such as freezing temperatures. You'll also need an electronic collar to use these cat doors.
It is essential to employ an expert to put up your cat flap. They have the appropriate equipment and the expertise to do the job properly. If you attempt to install the flap yourself it could result in a poorly-fitted cat flap which could let in draughts and make it an easy way for burglars. You might also end up hurting your cat.
Training
It can take some time for your cat or kitten to become accustomed to opening a flap. In the beginning it is recommended to open the door. You can use treats or toys to entice your cat to enter the opening. This will increase their confidence and make them feel more comfortable. If you have a very anxious or nervous cat, try placing the flap in an empty cardboard box and using cling film to simulate the opening. This will help increase their confidence prior to installation. Also, avoid physically taking your pet's body and requiring them to go through the flap, since this could create a negative image with it.
When your pet is accustomed to using the flap, you can shut the door so that any other animals cannot enter. This can be done by removing the peg or locking the flap over night. You should only do this with the lock that is secure and if you are certain that your dog won't enter the house while you are sleeping or working.
It is essential to teach your cat to associate this door with positive experiences. This can be accomplished by letting your cat play with the flap from different angles, before closing and opening it when they are there. You can play with a toy which moves when the pet pushes it, like a string toy or pull toy. You can also place some plants or potted plants close to the exit to provide a hiding spot so your pet feels secure exiting the home.
There are also selective entry cat flaps that permit your pet to enter through the flap, but not other animals or stray animals. These doors can detect the collar or microchip and then open the flap when it matches. If you have multiple cats, cat flaps are an excellent way to avoid conflict and lessen stress for all animals.