Install a cat flap if you want your pet to be able to leave and come back whenever they like without having to open the front door. However, you should always hire a vetted professional to install one. They will navigate the complexity of putting different kinds of cat flaps onto various doors and walls.
Installation
With a cat flap your pet can enter and out of the house at any time without having to open the door. The variety of pet flaps available on the market is extensive, ranging from bite-proof and microchip reading doors to fully lined cat flaps. They are available with a variety of different materials and frames including PVC or plastic to stainless steel and aluminum. The frame you select will impact the price. Plastic and PVC frames are less expensive, but are less durable, whereas stainless steel frames made of aluminum are more expensive, but last longer.
When choosing a frame for your cat flap, it is important to think about the kind of access you'd like to grant. If you wish to limit access to your pet's other animals, you should choose an animal door that is locked. They make use of your pet's infrared microchip to let them in. They are more expensive than standard pet doors but they're well worth the extra money to ensure your pet's safety.
The next step is to decide on the type of wall or door you'd like to install the flap in. Most commonly, they are installed in doors. However, they can also be inserted in windows and walls. It is recommended to hire a professional tradesperson to do the job. They'll have the equipment and know-how to ensure that your pet's cage is properly fitted.
It is not uncommon for homeowners to try to install a cat flap on their own. This can be dangerous and could result in expensive repairs in the future. It is also possible that they'll damage the door's surface or uPVC panel they're trying to put the flap into. It's generally more cost-effective to hire a tradesperson to perform the work to avoid these problems.
When installing a cat flap, you should also keep in mind that it could take some time for your pet to become used to it. It could take days, weeks or even months before they're comfortable going through it frequently. In the meantime you can assist them to adjust by encouraging them to walk through the flap by offering them their favorite snack or by gradually reducing their sensitivity.
Materials
The materials used in the installation of a cat flap differ depending on the kind of cat flap and door it is installed to. They include a variety of tools, such as a jigsaw, a spirit level as well as a file and drill. These tools may require safety equipment that could increase the cost of the project. Other materials such as a cat flap will also be required. The kind of material the cat flap is constructed in will also have an impact on the total cost of the project. Frames made of plastic tend to be less expensive than stainless-steel or aluminum options.
Before you begin to install the flap, make sure that you've read the instructions included in your kit. These instructions should include a template of the opening you want to use for your flap. This will give an idea of how large the hole should be and where it should go inside your door. Make use of a spirit level to ensure that the line is straight on your door. If you're unsure regarding where to place the opening for your flap you should measure from your floor up to your cats belly height. This will ensure that your cat can easily pass through the opening.
Once you have determined the position of the hole, you can start cutting out your door. It is essential to employ a spirit level to keep the line straight and prevent any accidents. Be sure not to cut into any gas, electricity or waste pipes, or structural joists (RSJ) that are within the frame of your wall or door. If you are unsure then you should hire an expert do the work.
After you've made the hole in the door, it is a good idea to paint the outside of the door. cat flap installers is particularly true in the case of wood that has been exposed. This will prevent moisture and water from getting into the wood and damaging the wood. Sealant can be used to protect the edges of the cut-out.
Labour
It is a good idea to hire an experienced tradesperson to install your pet flap if you desire a professional outcome. This might cost you an extra amount but it will also prevent any unnecessary damage to your door or wall. This will also make your pet happier and less stressed when they go outside or come back inside. This will decrease the chance that your pet may scratch furniture or cause mess in the house. This can result in costly repairs and replacements.
A professional may also be required to test the cat flap and make any final adjustments so that your pet is comfortable with it. This could include calibrating the reader to only recognize your pet's chip and making sure that your pet is comfortable using the flap.
The type of cat flap you select will also impact the labor costs. Some surfaces are more difficult to cut into and require more effort to put in. A pet flap that is microchip compatible, for example, is more expensive than a standard model but offers greater security because it only allows pets with a chip compatible to access.
Some cat flaps have locks that are useful in keeping unwanted guests out. They aren't always reliable and expensive to replace. It is best to desensitize your pet to the flap first before installing one. You can help your dog get familiar with the flap by using treats and keeping it open.
Once the flap has been fitted after it is fitted, you must make sure it is secure by securing it with an extra piece of wood or a steel bolt. This is a crucial step, as it will keep out intruders from entering your home. Paint the cut-out edges to protect it from the effects of rotting or water damage.
Compare their prices and reviews before hiring an expert to set up your cat flap. This will ensure that you get the best price for your project.
Insurance
Depending on the kind of cat flap you choose, the installation cost will vary. Plastic or PVC pet flaps are the least expensive and microchip cat flaps and other advanced options can cost more. A reputable professional will be able to provide you with the best pet flap to meet your requirements and budget.
The kind of wall or door you need the cat flap to fit into can also impact the price. Professionals can fit them into most types of doors including composite, uPVC, and wooden doors. They might need to put in an external frame to make the installation appear neater.
Before you get a cat flap installed it is essential to determine your pet's height and width to ensure the flap will fit. This will help avoid accidents such as your pet jumping through a doorway and hurting itself.
The size of the flap is important, as it should be large enough to let your pet easily get through it. If the flap isn't big enough your pet might struggle to use it. They could end up stuck inside.
Take into consideration the material of the flap and if you would like to frame it or not. Frames are usually more expensive than unframed flaps, however they offer better durability. In addition frames are more secure than those that are not as they are less likely to be knocked off or stolen.
In addition to the expense of the cat flap you should also consider any other accessories you might need. These can include a collar tag reader, a security bolt and the pet door lock. Microchip cat flaps are the most expensive, but they are more secure and can be programmed to recognise only your pets.
It is essential to hire an experienced tradesperson who has been vetted for the job, as the wrong installation of a cat flap can lead to injury and damage. A professional installation is worth the extra expense for peace of mind. The proper flap will help you save on heating and cooling costs by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in winter. It can also boost the value your property.