A cat flap on a door allows your pet to move in and out of the home without having to open it. These doors are available in various sizes to accommodate cats and dogs and come with features that can stop draughts and unwanted animals.
Introduce your pet to the door before installing it. It will be easier to familiarize them with the size, shape and movement.
Easy to install
Cat flaps are found in different places. You can put them in your garage, laundry room or bedroom to allow your pet to access your home without disturbing you. The key is to choose the correct flap and put it in the right place. You can find plenty of information on the internet, and a good DIY guide can help you avoid costly mistakes.
The first thing to do is measure your pet's height and width. You will require a cat flap big enough for your pet to pass through, but not so large that it attracts unwanted visitors such as dogs and stray cats. Consider the location of the flap for your cat and whether you want to lock the door at night, or limit entry to certain times of the day. A lot of modern flaps offer additional features to enhance the experience of using the door easier for both you and your pet. The option of selective entry can be used to unlock the flap by using magnets or the microchip on your pet's collar. These will ensure that your pet is the only one who can use the flap, and any animals that are straying into your home.
Once you've measured the height and width of the area, it's time to start installing your cat flap. If you are installing it in a door made of glass, you will need to consult with a glazier who is experienced in working with this material. Wear a safety gear when cutting glass.
After cutting the opening, apply masking tape on the holes. This will prevent you from drilling into the door's frame. Then, draw a template on the door where you'll be able to fix your cat flap. Utilize a spirit-level to ensure the markings are straight.
After you've completed the process, put screws on your cat flap together. You can add a coat to the edges of the flap to guard it from water damage.
Easy to clean
Cat doors allow cats to go outside and can keep them active and stimulated. Cat doors can also prevent accidents from happening in the home by allowing cats to go outside whenever they feel like it. They aren't easy to keep clean as they tend to attract dirt and grime. This is particularly true in winter. You can avoid this by regularly cleaning the flaps.
Use a mild soap with the help of lukewarm water to wash the PVC vinyl flaps and frame of the pet door. Wipe the flaps with a soft, clean cloth then rinse them with clear water. You can also apply a vinyl-based protector to the flaps to extend their life. This is a great option if you cat scratches the flaps' sides when it tries to push through.
Begin by pushing the flap open and enticing your cat with treats or toys. Gradually lower the flap until your cat is comfortable pushing through it. This method can help your cat get comfortable using the flap and will eliminate fear and anxiety associated with it. It is also possible to eliminate stressors around the cat flap, like loud or alarming noises and addressing them with an expert.
A cat flap could also be utilized by other animals to gain access to your home. These animals could be wild or threatening and could cause damage to your property. They can also spread diseases that can harm pets. Consider purchasing a cat-flap that comes with a lockable feature to avoid this. They can be locked so that only your cat is able to enter and exit your home, which can reduce the possibility of other creatures entering. You can even purchase a microchip cat flap that will limit your cat's access to the outside world. You can also monitor your cat's movements to track the places they go. This is very useful when you have an appointment with a vet or when your cat is feeling unwell.
Easy to train
Learning to teach your cat how to use a door that has flaps for cats can be an excellent way to let them explore the outdoors, without putting your feline friend at risk. This can also save you time by reducing the amount of times you must open and close the door. It is important to remember that every cat is different and will require different types of training. Certain cats will be able to utilize the flap right away, while others might need assistance.
In the beginning, you should introduce your cat to the flap prior to when you install it. This will allow them to become familiar with the size and design of the flap and they will be less likely to use it once it's installed. You can prop the flap up for the first couple of weeks so that your cat can see in and out.
Another thing you can try is to grease the flap or hinge connections to make them easier for your cat to move. This will make it easier for your cat to push through the door and will make it quieter and more comfortable if you are in an area where there is a lot of traffic. If your cat continues to be hesitant, you might think about replacing the door with one that has a smaller flap that's easier to push through.
If your cat is reluctant to go through the door then encourage them to do so by offering them treats and praise. You can also rub their paws or head against the cat door to help them get used to it and make it less intimidating. Once they're confident with the cat door, you can remove the prop and let them play in with their paws or heads.
Once they're comfortable with the cat door, you can let them out at specific times. In the ideal scenario, you should make sure they go out only when they're safe, and you can even buy cat doors with built-in timers that allow you to decide when the door opens and closes. This will stop your cat from coming back in before you're ready for them to return.
Easy to maintain
A door with a cat flap allows your pet to go and go without having to open the door for them. This is important for cats who have to maintain a sense of control over their behavior especially when away from home. This can also prevent strays or other neighbourhood cats from gaining access to your home.
There are a variety of pet door options from simple single flaps to microchip cat flaps. Microchip cat doors are the most sophisticated models and use radio frequency identification (RFID) to identify your pet's microchip. This eliminates the need to use heavy magnets or other accessories that could be unsafe or uncomfortable for your cat.
Traditional single flap pet doors have a rigid flap that is connected to the inside of the frame assembly. They could feature a weighted bottom or spring-aided to increase protection from weather, and they can close when the pet has gone. Certain dog and cat door models come with a clear polycarbonate panel mounted on the outside of the frame. This allows for better visibility and provides a weather-proof seal.
The automatic or electronic pet door is another type. They are powered by a motor which raises an enclosure to allow your pet to enter or out. This is a great option for people who have to work for long hours or are otherwise unable to stay at home to let their pets inside.
The benefit of using an electronic door over a traditional one is that it can be programmed to allow in and out only at specific times, which can help reduce energy consumption by keeping the house sealed. This is useful if you'd like to limit your pet's access to the outside during bad weather or during the evening.
It is important to clean your pet's door often, regardless of the kind you select. It is best to clean it regularly before it becomes too dirty, using mild dish soap or Simple Green cleaner. cat flap install will help prevent the spread of germs and bacteria.