With a cat flap, you can let your cat go in and out of your home independently. This lets your pet move around freely and encourages exercise. It also helps prevent obesity and reduces boredom.
Some taskers also deal with wall installations. They will begin by marking the location of the door and drilling around its corners.
How to install a Cat Flap
A cat flap lets your cat to go outside without opening windows or doors. This is a great option if you are late at work or worried about leaving your cat unattended for an extended period of time. There are many different types of cat flaps available. Some even allow you to program the time that your cat can enter and leave. Some also feature magnets that allow for simple opening and closing. It is important to choose a cat-flap that suits your home and pet's needs.
Although it is possible to install a cat flap yourself however, it's usually recommended to employ a Tasker to do it for you. This will ensure the flap is correctly fitted and sealed to avoid unwanted drafts from entering your home. There are many Taskers who specialise in cat flap installation and you'll be able to find one near you who can install your pet's brand new entrance.
Finding a Tasker that fits your cat's kennel is as simple as posting a request on Airtasker. You'll need to include the type of cat flap you want and your address and postcode to find local pet Taskers. You can then contact them to discuss the task and arrange a time and date.
The cost of cat flap installation starts at PS100. This can vary based on the kind of cat flap as well as the dimensions of your door or wall. It's important to note that some Taskers offer more specialized services, like installing smart cat flaps you can program to allow in your cat at certain times throughout the daytime.
If you're planning to install an egress flap on your uPVC or composite door, it's usually recommended to work with a specialist. These doors are made from heavier materials, which may be difficult to cut using the power saw. A professional will know how to use their tools safely and with care to ensure that they do not damage your door or wall.
You can also opt for a pet-door that is attached to your garden or home rather than your front door. These are more costly, but offer a safer and more secure option for your cat.
Safety
A cat flap can be a convenient way for your pet to move around whenever they want. However, you should make sure you are taking safety precautions to keep unwanted intruders from entering your home. Installing motion-activated lighting near the door will alert you to potential intruders and scare them away. You can add an animal-shaped sign on your front door to signal the intruders know that you aren't trustworthy and that you have pets.
The first step to installing the cat flap is to prepare the door for its new opening. Remove any old hardware and sand the edges of the door to smooth them out. This will prevent your cat from sneaking in through the gap to gain access to your home. It also protects the door from the elements of wind and rain. Sandpaper with a fine-grit will assist you in achieving this.
After the door is ready it is time to begin drilling and cutting it for the cat flap. Make use of a jigsaw that is slow and doesn't generate a lot of dust while cutting and drilling your door. Wear a mask and safety glasses when you can to prevent inhaling dust particles. Utilizing these tools will not only guarantee your safety, but will also help you get the job done more quickly.
There are many kinds of cat flaps available, but the most common is the one that has a two-way pet door. This kind of cat flap is very easy to put up and can be utilized by all cats in the neighborhood. You can also install a microchip cat flap that recognises your pet's electronic tag and allows entry only to the owner. These doors can be more expensive, but they are more secure than traditional flaps.
Another option is to install an animal flap inside the garage door. This will stop your cats from fighting over the litter box or food in the garage. This kind of door is easy to install on the form of a wooden door or uPVC, but may require professional installation if you have a garage door that is panelled. You can also purchase a garage pet door that is fire-rated to comply with building and fire codes.
Security
If you're considering installing a cat flap in your home, there are some security measures you must take into account. For instance, you need to ensure that the flap isn't overly large and that it's locked at night. This will help keep heat out of your home and keep animals out. Cat flaps that are smart allow you to program the time when your cat is allowed to leave the house. This is helpful if you're late for work or stuck in traffic.
If your cat isn't used to going to the toilet outdoors, it may have to use an indoor litter tray for a while. Once it is used to using the outdoor litter tray you should encourage it to go outside at minimum, once throughout the day. This will allow your cat to stay physically active and mentally engaged. It also reduces the risk of toileting accidents within the home. It will also reduce the amount of cat litter you will need to purchase.
A microchip cat flap is another option that offers a greater level of security. This type of cat door uses a microchip that scans your cat's coat. It will only allow your cat to enter your home when the microchip matches the number stored in the pet's door's memory. You can program the pet door so that it allows access for more than one microchip. This is an excellent option for households with several cats or if you live in an area that is crowded.
Magnetic cat flaps are also available, which stop access with magnets. These are effective but aren't as secure as microchips cat flaps. They are also less reliable and may fail in extreme conditions like freezing temperatures. You'll also need an electronic collar to use these cat doors.
It is important to hire an expert to set up the cat flap since they have the tools and knowledge needed to do the job correctly. If you attempt to install the flap yourself it could result in an unfitted cat flap that could allow in draughts, or make it an easy way for burglars. You may also injure your cat.
Training
It could take some time for your kitten or cat to become accustomed to a flap. For the first few days of training it is recommended to leave the door open. You can use treats or toys to encourage your cat to walk through the opening. This will increase their confidence and help them feel more comfortable. If you have a anxious or scared cat, try placing the flap into a cardboard box and using cling film to simulate the opening. This will increase their confidence before the actual installation. Avoid forcing your pet to go through the flap by physically picking them up. This can create a negative relationship with it.
When your pet is accustomed to using the flap you can shut the door so that any other animals aren't able to get in. This can be done by removing the peg, or by locking the flap for the night. It is best to do this with locks that are secure and certain that your dog will not wander into the house when you are asleep or at work.
The clunk and snap of the flap closing could be frightening for a newcomer, so it's important to teach your cat to associate the door with positive experiences. You can accomplish this by letting them play with the flap from different angles, and then opening and closing it in their presence. You can even use toys that move when you push it, like a string or pull toy. You can also place some potted plants or plants near the exit to make your pet feel more secure when leaving the house.
Cat flaps with selective entry allow your pet through the flap but not other animals. cat flap fitters can recognize the collar or microchip and open the flap in the event that it matches. These cat flaps are an excellent way to lessen stress and also prevent conflict between your cats if you have more than one.