With a cat flap you can let your cat go in and out of your home independently. This lets your pet move freely and promotes exercise. It also reduces the risk of obesity and reduces boredom.
Some workers also deal with wall installations. They will begin by marking the location of the door, and drilling around the corners of the door.
How do I install a Cat Flap
A cat flap allows your pet to go outside without opening the door or window. This is great if you are late at work or concerned about leaving your cat alone for an extended period of time. There are many kinds of cat flaps available on market, and some allow you to program when your cat is allowed to go in or out. Some cat flaps have a magnet to allow for easier opening and closing. The most important thing is to select the right cat flap suitable to your pet's and home's requirements.
While it's possible to fit an animal flap on your own but it's best to have a Tasker complete the job for you. This will ensure the flap is correctly fitted and sealed to prevent unwanted drafts from infiltrating your home. There are a lot of Taskers in your area who are skilled in installing cat flaps.
Airtasker makes it easy to locate a Tasker who can put up your cat's door. You'll need to indicate the type of cat-flap you want along with your postcode and address to find local pet Taskers. Contact them to discuss the job and set a time and date.
The cost of cat flap installation starts at PS100. This can vary based on the type of cat flap and the size of your door or wall. It's important to note that some Taskers provide more specialised services, such as installing smart cat flaps that you can program to allow in your cat at specific times during 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 made from thicker materials that may be difficult to cut into with a power tool. A professional will be able to utilize their tools in a safe and controlled manner to avoid damaging your door or walls.
You could also consider a pet-door that is attached to your home or garden rather than your front door. They are more expensive, but they'll provide an extra-secure and safer option for your cat.
Safety
A cat flap can provide an easy way for your pet to go and come whenever it wants. However, you should take safety measures to prevent unwanted intrusions into your home. Installing motion-activated lighting near your door will alert you to potential intruders and keep them away. You can also attach a cat-themed sign to your door so that any intruders know that you have pets in the house and are not to be taken seriously.
The first step to install a cat flap is to prepare the door for the new opening. Remove any old hardware from the door, then sand the edges to smoothen them. This will stop your cat from escaping into your home through the gap. This will guard the door against rain and wind. Sandpaper with a fine-grit will assist you in achieving this.
Once you have prepared the door, you are able to cut and drill it to form the cat flap. When cutting and drilling the door, make sure to employ a jigsaw that has a blade that is slow and doesn't create a lot of dust. Wear a mask and safety glasses whenever possible to avoid breathing in dust particles. These tools will help you to get the job done quicker and also ensure your safety.
There are a variety of cat flaps. However, the classic with a two way pet door is the most popular. This kind of door is generally simple to set up, but it can be utilized by any cat in the neighborhood. You can also install a microchip cat flap which recognizes your pet's electronic tag and permits entry only to them. These doors are more expensive, but they are more secure than traditional flaps.
A cat flap can be installed in the garage. This will stop your cats from fighting over the litter box or food in the garage. This type of door is simple to install in a wooden door or uPVC however it might require professional installation if you have a garage door that is panelled. You can also purchase a pet door that is fire rated for your garage that will comply with fire and building codes.
Security
You should take some security measures before installing a cat door into your home. For instance, you should ensure that the flap is not too large and that it is locked at night. This will keep heat in your home, and animals out. There are also cat flaps that allow you to pre-program when your cat is allowed to go outside. This is helpful if you are late for work or stuck in traffic.
If your cat isn't used to an outdoor litter box then it might need to use one inside for a short time. Once it becomes accustomed to using a outdoor litter tray, encourage it to use it at least twice each day. This keeps your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It will also lower the likelihood of accidents involving toilets within the home. It will also cut down on the amount of cat litter you need to buy.
A microchip cat door is an alternative option to get a higher degree of security. This type of cat flap utilizes a microchip to scan your cat's fur, allowing it to enter your home only if its microchip matches the code in the pet door's memory. You can also program the pet door to allow entry for more than one microchip. This is a great option for households with several cats or in a crowded area.
There are magnetic cat flaps that make use of magnets to prevent 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 need magnetic collars to use these cat doors.
It is crucial to hire an expert to install your cat flap. They have the proper tools and the knowledge to perform the task properly. If you attempt to install it yourself, it can result in a poorly fitted cat flap that allows drafts and is an easy entry point for burglars. You may also injure your cat.
Training
If your cat or kitten has never tried flaps before, it could take some time to become accustomed to it. During the initial training it is advised to keep the door open. You can use toys or treats to get your cat to enter the door. This will boost their confidence and help them feel more comfortable. If you have a cat that is fearful or anxious then place the flap on a cardboard and use clingfilm as a model for the opening. This will help increase their confidence prior to the actual installation. You should also avoid physically taking your pet's body and requiring them to go through the flap since this could cause a negative impression of it.
Once your pet has gotten used to using the flap, you can shut the door to stop other pets from getting into. This can be done by removing the peg or locking the flap shut overnight. It is best to do this using the lock that is secure and if you are sure that your dog will not be able to enter the home while you are asleep or at work.
It is important to educate your cat to associate this door with positive feelings. This can be accomplished by letting your cat play with the flap from different angles, and then closing and opening it as they are in the vicinity. You can also play with a toy that moves when they push it, for example an elastic string or pull toy. You can also place plants or potted plants close to the exit point to create a safe place to ensure that your pet feels safer leaving the house.
Selective entry cat flaps allow your pet to enter the flap but not other animals. These doors can read your pet's microchip or collar key and open the flap when it senses a match. If you have multiple cats, cat flaps are an excellent way to avoid conflict and reduce stress for each animal.
