A back door that has a cat flap fitted allows your pet to move around whenever it wants. This allows your cat the freedom they desire whilst keeping out marauding rogue cats and providing you with peace of mind.
You can speed up the process by utilizing a skilled tradesperson. They will be able to navigate the complexity of fitting a flap to various sizes and types of doors and walls.
Peace of mind
Having your cat door fitted is a great way to give your feline friend the freedom they want and need. There are numerous benefits to this, including the fact that it will make them happier and healthier. To stay fit cats should be outdoors daily. Access to the outdoors can help them spend more time outside. However, you should be sure that they do not go into danger or unsafe locations, so you may be able to consider placing the door in a location that is away from the main entrance.
Try entice your cat with treats if they are reluctant to use the flap. This can help build up a positive association with the door and may encourage them to start using it frequently. Be careful not to punish or scare your cat, as this could cause fear of the door in front of them and make them less likely to use it.
Some cats like to look at what's on the other side of a cat flap before passing through, which is the reason transparent cat flaps are a good choice for them. Alternatively, you can try adding your cat's scent to the flap, or simply wiping it clean with an item that smells familiar to them. By adding their own scent you can make them feel more comfortable and feel more confident about the new flap.
A back door with a cat flap fitted can also be a good way to keep your pet safe and out of the home at specific periods of time, like when you're at work or sleeping. This will stop burglars and pests from getting through your cat's door.
Some cat flaps can be used in combination with RFID collar tags or microchips to offer additional security. This means that only your registered pets can enter and leave the home which eliminates the possibility of other animals or human beings entering. If you'd like peace of mind from this additional level of security, it's worth taking a look at a fully-fitted pet entrance or a supply-only option that can be installed in your composite or uPVC door by yourself.
Safety
Cat flaps allow your pet to enter and exit the house whenever they want, without you having to open up the door. You can also monitor your cat to ensure that any rogue animals aren't causing injury or illness. If you're worried about the safety of your cat you can opt for a microchip or collar-keyed cat flap that will only let your cat inside. This will keep your neighbors' cats or strays from gaining access to your home, and it can help maintain indoor temperatures by keeping outdoor temperatures at bay.
Many people are concerned that their pets might be hurt by intruders trying to get through the flap. This is a valid worry, as the cat flap is the weakest component of a backdoor and should be treated with suspicion. However, there are ways you can make sure this doesn't happen. For instance, you could put motion-activated lighting around your cat flap to alert anyone trying to enter your property. This can scare them and may deter them from entering your property in the first place.
Another method to keep intrusions at bay is to put a 'Cat Sign' to your door, which will inform them that there is a cat in the house and will encourage them to stay clear. This is a simple and affordable way to increase the security of your cat flap, and it is efficient.
If you have a backdoor with glass patio doors, it's possible to install an animal flap onto them. It's more difficult to install a cat flap into a wooden door or uPVC however it is still an option for homeowners who want to do so. The procedure is exactly similar to installing the standard door, however it is advisable to speak with a professional glazier who can assure that the pane of glass will be strong enough to withstand the additional strain.
Once the door has been cut to size, it is time to install your cat flap. The first step is to mark the screw holes in the door with the pencil, then place the hole in the cat flap with those marks. Then, you can drill the screws into the designated points on the cat flap. You can finish by applying a coat of paint to the edges of the hole to shield them from water damage and rotting.
Security
The peace of mind you get from having a cat door installed on your Ipswich back door is amazing. You don't need to worry about your cat wandering off or being locked out at night. You can also spend more time on the sofa with your cat because you don't have to get up to open the door.
You can have more peace of mind by incorporating a lockable flap to your cat flap. This lets you decide who can enter and when. cat flap cost can be easily added to your cat flap to keep other pets from gaining access as well as wild cats!
You'll need to choose the cat flap that is best suited to your pet, then you can decide where it should be put. There are a variety of options from simple manual flaps to microchip-enabled cat flaps that can be programmed to recognise the collar key of your pet or an embedded microchip. We can help you select the right option for your budget and needs, taking into consideration the size of your animal and any features you may like.
We can cut the uPVC door panel or composite door panel to the proper size for your cat flap after you have decided on a particular model and the location where it will be put. If you've got an outdoor glass door that is toughened safety glass we can supply and install an alternative panel with the cat flap installed inside it.
Installing a cat flap on walls can be more difficult, based on the kind of wall you've got. It requires careful planning because you'll need to ensure that no electric cables or pipes (water, gas, waste) traverse the area you're cutting. Therefore, it is usually recommended to install a cat flap inside the doors or patio doors instead of a wall, because this is less intrusive and will require less adjustments.
Once your new cat flap is installed, it's important to spend time getting your pet accustomed to it. It is a good idea to place it near your food since they'll naturally be interested in it and will want to explore it. This will help them become familiar with the process of passing through it. You can make use of treats or family on the opposite side of the flap to motivate them to go through it and make it a part of their daily routine.
Customisation
You can let your cat wander freely around the yard or in the house by installing cat flaps on the back door. This will save you time and energy as you don't have to open the door each time your cat needs to go in or out. It also allows your cat to explore its surroundings and get the exercise they require to maintain good health.
Depending on your personal preference, there are different types of cat flaps to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance some of the more expensive flaps can be microchipped to ensure you can only give access to your pet and some are made to be mounted on walls.
If you choose to fit your cat flap yourself, the process is relatively easy, and should take no more than two hours. The instructions that come with the flap will guide you, but a few key tools are required to finish the job. This includes tape measure, a good pencil, a spirit level, and a drill or jigsaw. Wear a dust mask and cut carefully to avoid breathing harmful particles.
Before drilling, determine the height of the gap you'll be installing the cat flap, and mark it on the door. Make sure the gap is even and straight, and that it isn't too small or too big. When you are ready to install the flap into the hole, use a spirit-level to ensure that it is placed in the correct position.
The most important thing to keep in mind when installing a cat flap is to consult the manufacturer if possible and to consult an expert joiner if you're not confident in making modifications to your composite door. The doors are designed to be secure and weatherproof, so making a mistake can damage the door and cause leaks and other issues. It's also a good idea to consult an expert before you attempt to install a cat flap in a uPVC door and, if you do, it could damage the warranty and create drafts.