With a cat flap you can let your cat enter and exit your home on their own. This lets your pet move around freely and encourages exercise. It also prevents overweight and eases boredom.
Some taskers also work on wall installations. They begin by marking the location of the door, and then drilling around the corners.
How to install a cat flap
A cat flap allows your pet to go outside without you having to open a door or window. This is great if work late or are concerned about leaving your cat home for an extended period of time. There are several types 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 a magnet to facilitate opening and closing. It is important to choose a cat-flap that suits your home and your pet's needs.
It's possible to install a cat flap on your own, however it's generally better to hire a Tasker to install it. This will ensure that the flap is a perfect fit and that it's sealed properly to keep unwanted draughts from entering your home. You'll find several Taskers in your area who are experts at installing cat flaps.
Getting a Tasker to fit your cat flap can be as simple as posting an inquiry on Airtasker. You'll need to provide the kind of cat flap you want and include your address and postal code to find local pet Taskers. Contact them to discuss the job and set a time and date.
The average price for cat flap installation starts at PS100. The cost will vary based on the size of your cat's flap, the size of the door or wall and the type. However, it's worth mentioning that some Taskers offer more specialised services like installing cat flaps with sensors that you 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 best to get a professional. This is because these doors are made of heavier materials and can be difficult to cut into using an electric tool. A professional will be able to use their tool safely and carefully to ensure that they do not damage your wall or door.
You could also consider a pet-door that is attached to your garden or home rather than your front door. These are more costly, but offer security and safety option for your cat.
Safety
A cat flap can provide an easy way for your pet to come and go whenever they want. But, it is important to take safety measures to prevent unwanted intruders from entering your home. Installing motion-activated lighting near the door will alert you to any potential intruders and frighten them away. You can also attach a cat sign to your door so that any criminals are aware that there are pets on the premises and are not to be taken seriously.
The first step to install a cat flap is to prepare the door for its new opening. Take out all the old hardware from the door and sand down the edges to smoothen the edges. This will stop your cat from sneaking into your home through the gap. It also shields the door from the elements of wind and rain. Sandpaper that is fine-grit can assist you in achieving this.
Once you have prepared the door, you can begin to cut and drill it for the cat flap. When drilling and cutting the door, be sure you make use of a jigsaw blade that is slow and doesn't produce a lot of dust. Wear a mask and goggles if possible to avoid inhaling dust particles. These tools will allow you to finish the job faster and will ensure your safety.
There are several types of cat flaps available however the most popular is the one that has a two-way pet door. This type of cat flap is easy to put up and can be used by all cats within the neighborhood. You can also install a microchip cat flap which recognizes your pet's electronic tag and permits access only to them. These doors are more expensive, but they are more secure than traditional flaps.
A cat flap can also be put in the garage. This will stop your cats fighting over the litter box or food in the garage. This kind door is simple to install on a wooden door or uPVC, but may require professional installation if you have a panelled garage door. You can also purchase a garage pet door that is fire-rated and meets fire codes and building codes.
Security
You should consider some security measures prior to installing a cat door into your home. You should, for example, make sure the flap isn't overly large and locked at night. This will prevent heat from getting out and keep animals out of your house. There are also smart cat flaps that allow you to set up a schedule for when your cat will be allowed to go outside. This is useful if you're late for work or stuck in traffic.
If your cat isn't accustomed to toileting outdoors, it may need to use an indoor litter tray for a few days. But once it's used to using the outdoor litter tray you should encourage it to go outside at least once throughout the day. www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk will keep your cat mentally and physically stimulated. It will also lower the risk of toileting accidents in the house. Additionally, it will also reduce the amount of cat litter you'll need to purchase.
A microchip cat flap is another option that provides a higher level of security. This type of cat door is equipped with microchips that scan your cat's coat. It will only allow your cat to enter your house if the microchip is compatible with the code stored in the pet's door's memory. You can program the pet door so it allows entry for more than one microchip. This can be a good option for households with multiple cats or in an area that is crowded.
Magnetic cat flaps are also available, that block access using magnets. They can be effective, but aren't as secure as microchip cat flaps. They are less reliable and can 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 crucial to hire an expert to put up your cat flap. They have the appropriate tools and the knowledge to do the job correctly. If you attempt to install a cat flap yourself you could end up with an unfit cat flap that can let in draughts or provide an easy entry point to burglars. Moreover, you could cause harm to your cat.
Training
It can take some time for your cat or kitten to get used to the flap. For the first few days of training it is advised to keep the door open. You can use toys or treats to encourage your cat to go through the opening. This will increase their confidence and make them feel more comfortable. If you have a cat who is very nervous or fearful put the flap on a cardboard box and use clingfilm to simulate the opening. This will help increase their confidence prior to installation. Avoid forcing your pet to go through the flap by physically taking them up. This can cause a negative impression on it.
Once your pet is used to going through the flap, you can close the door to stop other pets from gaining access to. This can be done by removing the peg or locking the flap over night. It is best to do this with a lock that is very secure and sure that your dog won't wander into the house when you are sleeping or at work.
It is essential to teach your cat to associate this door with positive feelings. You can accomplish this by letting them play with the flap from various angles, and then opening and closing it in their presence. You can also play with toys that move when you push it, like an elastic string or pull toy. You can also put some potted plants or plants near the exits to make your pet feel safer when leaving the home.
There are also selective entry cat flaps that permit your pet to access the flap, but not any other animals or stray animals. These doors can detect the microchip or collar code and open the flap in the event that it matches. If you have multiple cats, these flaps are a great way to prevent conflicts and ease stress for all animals.