A cat flap at the back of your door allows your pet to go in and out at will. This lets your cat be as free as it wants and keeps out rogue cats. It will also give you peace of mind.
You can simplify the process by enlisting a skilled tradesperson. They will be able to navigate the complexities of fitting a cat flap to various types of doors and walls.
Peace of mind
Installing a cat door is an excellent way to allow your pet the freedom they want and need. There are numerous advantages to this, including the fact that it will make them healthier and happier. All cats need daily exercise to stay healthy and fit and having access to the outdoors can inspire them to spend more time outdoors. You should still be cautious to ensure that your cat does not wander off into unsuitable or dangerous areas. If you can, set the door away from the main entrance of your home.
Try luring your cat to treats if they are reluctant to use the cat flap. This will help to create a positive relationship with the door and may make them more inclined to use it frequently. However, be sure to not scold or terrorize your cat, as this can create anxiety around the door and cause them to be reluctant to use it for the next time.
Some cats prefer to look on the other side of a cat flap prior to passing through, which is why transparent cat flaps can be a good choice for them. You can also add your cat's scent onto the flap, or simply wipe it down with a cloth that is familiar to them. By putting their own scent on it, they can feel more comfortable and confident in the new flap.
A back door with a cat flaps can be an excellent method to keep your pet in and out of the house during certain periods of time, like when you're at work or asleep. This can help to prevent unwanted pests or even burglars from entering your home through the cat flap.
Some cat flaps are designed to be used in conjunction with microchips or RFID collar tags to give you additional security. This means that only your registered pets can be allowed to enter and exit the house, eliminating the risk of animals or humans entering. If you're looking for the added security of a pet-friendly door, think about a fully-fitted or an option that is supply-only and can be fitted to your composite or uPVC doors by yourself.
Safety
Cat flaps allow your pet to enter and exit the house as they please, without you needing to open the door. You can also keep an eye on your cat to ensure that any rogue animals aren't causing harm or causing illness. If you're worried about the security of your cat, you can install a microchip-keyed or collar-keyed flap that only allows your cat inside. This will prevent your neighbour's cats or strays from gaining access to your home, and helps to keep indoor temperatures at a minimum by keeping the outside out.
Many are worried that their pets might be hurt by intruders trying to gain entry through the flap. This is a valid worry, as the cat flap is the weakest part of a backdoor and should be treated with suspicion. You can take steps to stop this. For example, you can place motion-activated lights around your cat flap to alert anyone trying to break into your property. This will scare them and deter them from trying to gain access to your property.
Another way to keep intruders out is by adding the 'Cat Sign' your door, which will inform them that you have a pet inside the house and will encourage them to stay clear. This is a simple and cost-effective way to improve the security of your cat's flap and it can be very effective.
It is possible to put cat flaps in glass patio doors on your back door. While this is more difficult than installing one on an existing wooden or uPVC door, it is still a viable option for some homeowners. The process is the same as for the standard door, however it is advisable to consult with a professional glazier who can ensure that your glass is sturdy enough to withstand the additional stress.
Once the door is cut to size, it is time to mount your cat flap. First, you'll need to mark the screw holes on the door using a pencil and then place the hole in the cat flap to the marks. Screws should be drilled into the areas marked on the flap. You should finish by adding the paint around the edges of the hole to shield them from rotting and water damage.
Security
The tranquility you gain by having a cat flap installed on your Ipswich back door is priceless. It means you don't have to be concerned about your pet wandering off or getting locked in the nighttime outside. You can also relax on the sofa with your cat because you don't have to get up to open the door.
A cat flap that locks will provide you with more peace of mind as you are able to control who enters your home and when. This option is easily added to the existing flap and allows you to close it at night to keep other animals from entering the house as well as stopping rogue cats from coming in!
You'll need to choose the cat flap that is most suitable for your pet, and then choose where it should be installed. Options range from simple manual models to microchip cat flaps which can be programmed to recognize your pet's collar key or embedded microchips. We can assist you in finding the ideal solution to meet your needs and budget considering the size of your pet as well as the features you might want.
We can cut the uPVC door panel or composite door panel to the proper size for your cat flap once you've decided on the model you want and where it will be installed. Alternatively, if you have a glass patio door that is toughened safety glass we can supply and fit an alternative panel with the cat flap fitted into it.
Installing a cat-flap into the wall can be more difficult depending on the kind of wall you have. It also requires careful planning, since you'll need to make sure no pipes or electric cables (water gas, electricity, and waste) run across the area you're cutting. It is therefore recommended that you install an animal flap on the door or patio door instead of the wall. This method will be less intrusive, and require minimal modifications.
After your new cat flap is installed, it's important to take the time to get your pet used to it. It's best to place it near their food since they'll naturally be curious about it and want to explore it. This will allow them to get used to passing through it. You can make use of treats or your family members on the other side of the cat flap to encourage them to explore it, and make it a part of their daily routine.
Customisation
If you wish for your cat to have free access to the garden or simply let it in and out to explore the house, having a back door with a cat flap installed can allow for that. This will save you time and energy by not having to open the door every time your cat needs to go in or out. In addition, it allows your cat to explore their surroundings, and may even assist them in getting the exercise they require to maintain their health.
There are many different types of cat flaps to fit every budget and style. Some of the most expensive flaps are microchipped so that they only allow your pet access, while others are designed to be wall-mounted.
Installing cat flap fitting near me is relatively easy and shouldn't require more than two hours. The instructions that came with your cat flap can guide you. However, a few essential tools are required for the task. A tape measure, a high-quality pencil, a spirit level, and a jigsaw or a drill are all necessary. Always ensure that you cut carefully and are wearing a dust protection mask to avoid breathing in any hazardous particles.
Before drilling, measure the height of the gap in which you want to install the cat flap, and mark it on the door. Be sure the gap is straight, even and not too small or large. When you are ready to install the flap in the hole, use a spirit level to ensure that it is properly positioned.
If you're not sure about making changes to your composite door, it's recommended to speak with the manufacturer. The doors are designed to be weatherproof, safe and durable. Making a mistake could cause damage to the door or leaks. It is recommended to consult a professional before installing a cat flap onto a uPVC and this could invalidate your warranty and cause the door to draft.