A back door with a cat flap allows your pet to go and come according to its own schedule. This lets your cat be as liberated as it wants while keeping out any rogue cats. It will also give you peace of mind.
You can make the process easier by hiring an expert tradesperson. They will be competent to navigate the difficulties of fitting a cat flap into different types of walls and doors.
Peace of mind
Installing an animal door is a great way to give your pet the freedom and independence they want. There are many advantages to this, such as the fact that it can make them healthier and happier. To stay in shape, cats need to be outdoors daily. Access to the outdoors can encourage them to spend more time outside. However, you must be aware that they will not wander into dangerous or unsuitable areas, so you may want to consider putting the door in a location that is away from the main entrance.
Try luring your cat to treats if they are reluctant to use the flap. This will help to establish a positive connection with the door, and may make them more inclined to use it frequently. Be careful not to punish or scare your cat, as this can cause fear around the front door and make them less likely to use it.
Transparent cat flaps are an excellent option for cats who prefer to see the other side prior to going through. You can also add the scent of your cat or wipe it down with a cloth smelling familiar to them. By adding their own scent they will feel more comfortable and confident in the new flap.
A back door with a cat flap fitted can also be a good way to keep your pet in and out of the home at specific times, such as when you're at work or asleep. This will help prevent unwanted pests or even burglars from entering your home through the cat door.
Certain cat flaps are designed to be used with microchips or RFID collar tags to offer added security. This ensures that only registered pets are allowed to leave and enter the home. If you want peace of mind from this extra level of security, it's worth considering a fully-fitted pet door or a supply only option that can be installed in your composite or uPVC door yourself.
Safety
Cat flaps allow your pet to move around the house at their own pace without needing to open the door. They also let you keep an eye on your cat, making sure that they aren't injured or sickened by animals that are rogue. If you're concerned about the security of your cat, you can install a microchip keyed or collar-keyed flap that allows your cat inside. This will keep the neighbours cats and animals out of your home. It will also help maintain the temperature inside by keeping the outside out.
Many people worry about their pets being injured by intruders trying to enter through the cat flap. This is a valid worry, since it is the weakest component of a back entrance and should be taken with a degree of suspicion. However, there are steps you can take to make sure this doesn't happen. For example, you can put motion-activated lighting around your cat flap, which will alert anyone trying to enter your property. This will scare them away and deter them from trying to break into your home.
Add a 'Cat Sign" to your front door to let strangers know that you have pets at your home and to encourage them to stay out. This is a simple and inexpensive method to increase the security of your cat's flap. It is extremely effective.
It is possible to put cat flaps into glass patio doors for your back door. Although this is a little more complicated than fitting one on a wooden or uPVC door, it is an alternative for some homeowners. The procedure is similar to that of the standard door. However it is advised to consult a professional glazier to ensure your pane will be strong enough to handle the additional strain.
After cutting the door to size, you can begin to build your cat flap. Mark the holes for screws on the door using pen, and then align the hole of the flap to the marks. Drill the screws into the marked areas on the cat flap. You can finish by applying the paint around the edges of the hole to protect them from rotting and water damage.
Security
The peace of mind that comes with a back door with cat flap fitted in your Ipswich home is priceless. It means you don't need to be concerned about your pet wandering away or being locked outside at night. It will also give you more time to lounge on the sofa with your pet as you can enjoy the tea without having to get up and open the door.
The addition of a cat flap that is lockable will provide you with more peace of mind since you can decide who is allowed into your home and when. This option can easily be added to your cat flap to stop other pets from entering, as well as rogue cats!
You will need to select the cat flap model that is best suited to your pet, then you can decide where it should be installed. There are many options, ranging from simple manual flaps to microchip models which can be programmed so they recognize your pet's collar or microchips. We can assist you in choosing the best option to meet your budget and requirements considering the size of your animal and the features you want.
Once you've decided on the type of cat flap you want and the location you'd like to install it, we can measure your door and uPVC or composite door panel and cut it to the right size for the cat flap. If you have a toughened safety glass patio door, we can supply and install an alternative panel that has the cat flap integrated into.
Installing a cat-flap into the wall can be more difficult, depending on what type of wall you have. cat flap fitting requires careful planning, as you'll need to ensure no pipes or electric cables (water gas, electricity and waste) traverse the area you are cutting. It is recommended you install a cat flap on the door or patio door rather than an exterior wall. This will be less intrusive and will require minimal modifications.
After your new cat flap is installed, you must take time to get your pet accustomed to it. It's best to put it in close proximity to their food since they'll naturally be curious about it and explore it. This will allow them to become used to passing through it. You can also use treats or family members on the other side to make them want to pass through the flap and make it a normal part of their routine.
Customisation
If you wish for your cat to have access to access to the garden, or just let it in and out to wander around the home by opening an entrance to the back with a cat flap installed can make that possible. It eliminates the need for you to open the door each time they demand entry or exit and can save you both time and energy. It allows your cat to explore its surroundings and receive the exercise it needs to stay healthy.
There are a variety of cat flaps to suit any budget and lifestyle. 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 simple, and shouldn't take more than two hours. The instructions included with your cat flap may guide you. However you will require a few tools are required for the task. A tape measure, a quality pencil, a spirit-level and a jigsaw or a drill are all required. Always make sure you cut with care and are wearing an appropriate dust mask to avoid inhaling any harmful particles.
Before drilling, determine the width of the gap where 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 large. When you're ready to install the flap, push it against the hole and use a level to ensure that it's in the right place.
If you aren't sure about making changes to your composite door, it's recommended to speak with the manufacturer. The doors are designed to be secure and weatherproof, therefore making a mistake could damage the door and cause leaks and other problems. It is recommended to consult a professional prior to installing a cat flap on a uPVC - this can affect your warranty and create drafts.