Install a cat flap if you want your pet to be able to come and go anytime they want without opening the front door. It is recommended to hire a professional to put in the cat flap. They can take care of fitting different kinds of cat flaps to various walls and doors.
Installation
With a cat flap, your pet can enter and leave the home at will, without needing to open the door. The variety of pet flaps on the market is extensive, ranging including microchip-proof and bite-proof doors to fully insulated cat flaps. They come in a variety frames and materials, ranging from plastic or PVC to stainless steel and aluminum. The type of frame you pick will impact the total cost. Plastic and PVC frames are cheaper but are less durable, whereas stainless steel or aluminum frames are more expensive, but last longer.
It is also important to consider the type of access you would prefer to grant when selecting a frame for a cat flap. If you wish to limit access to other pets, then you should opt for a locking pet flap. They utilize your pet's infrared microchip to allow them in. They are more expensive than standard pet doors but they're worth the extra money to ensure your pet's safety.
Next, you need to decide on the kind of door or wall you'd like to install the flap in. The most common installation locations are in doors, but they can also be put to windows and walls. It is recommended to hire an experienced tradesperson to complete the work. They will have the right tools and expertise to ensure that your pet flap is properly installed.
It is not uncommon for homeowners to try to install a cat flap on their own. This can be dangerous, and may lead to costly repairs in the future. It is also possible that they'll scratch the surface of the door or uPVC panel they're trying to fit the flap on. To avoid such issues, it's usually cheaper to employ an expert to complete the job.
When installing a cat flap, you should also be aware that it might take time for your pet to become used to it. It could take a few days, weeks or even months for your pet to become comfortable with it. In the meantime you can aid them adjust by encouraging them to go through the flap with their favorite food or by desensitizing them gradually.
Materials
The materials used for the installation of a cat flap are different based on the type of cat flap and the door it is fitted to. This includes a range of tools, like a jigsaw, spirit level, a file and a drill. These tools will require safety equipment that could add cost to the project. Other materials, such as a cat flap will also be required. The cost of the project will be influenced by the type of material used to frame the cat flap. Plastic frames are usually cheaper than stainless steel and aluminum.
Before you begin installing the flap for cats ensure that you have read the instructions included with your kit. These should include a template drawing of the opening to the flap. This will provide you with an idea of where you should place the hole in your door and how large it should be. Use a spirit level to ensure that the line on your door is straight. If you are unsure about the best place to put the flap's opening consider measuring from your floor to the height of your cat's belly. This will allow your cat to pass through the flap.
Once you've marked the location of the hole, you can begin cutting out your door. It is crucial to use a spirit level to ensure the line stays straight and prevent any accidents. Be cautious not to cut into any electricity, gas or waste pipes or structural joists (RSJ) that are in your wall frame or door. If you're unsure, it is recommended to hire a professional do the work for you.
After fitting a cat flap in a upvc door made the hole in the door it is a great idea to paint the outside of the door. This is especially important in the case of wood that has been exposed. This will stop moisture and water from soaking into the wood and damaging the wood. Sealant can be used to protect the edges of the cut.
Labour
If you're looking to ensure a professional job you should consider hiring an approved tradesperson for the installation of your pet flap. This might cost you an extra amount but it will stop any damage to your door or wall. This will also make your pet happy and less stressed as they go outside or return inside. This will reduce the likelihood that your pet will scratch furniture or cause messes in the house. This can result in costly repairs and replacements.
In addition to fitting the flap A professional will also be required to conduct a few tests and final adjustments to ensure that your pet will comfortably use it. This can include calibrating the microchip reader so that it can only recognize your pet's microchip, and checking that your pet is comfortable with the flap.
The kind of cat flap that you select will also affect the cost of labor. Certain flaps require more work to install because they are harder to cut into. A pet flap that is microchip compatible, for example is more expensive than a standard model, but it offers more security as it allows only pets with a chip compatible to enter.
Some cat flaps have locks that are beneficial in keeping unwanted visitors out. They aren't always reliable and expensive to replace. It is recommended to de-sensitize the pet to the flap prior to installing one. You can help your pet become accustomed to the flap by feeding it treats and keeping it open.
Once the flap is fitted after it is fitted, you must ensure that it is secured by securing it using an additional piece of wood or a bolt made of steel. This is a crucial step to stop unwanted intruders getting into your home. Paint the cut-out edges to guard against the effects of rotting or water damage.
Before you choose a contractor for your cat flap installation it is a good idea to compare their pricing and reviews. This will help you get the best deal for your project.
Insurance
Depending on the type of cat flap you pick the price of installation will vary. Plastic or PVC pet flaps are the cheapest as microchip cat flaps as well as other more advanced options can cost more. A professional can provide advice on which pet flap is the best for your budget and needs.
The cost can also depend on the type of wall or door that you would like the cat flap to be installed into. Most often, professionals can install them in most doors, including composite, uPVC and wooden doors. They may need to install an external frame to make the installation look more professional.
It is crucial to determine the width and height of your pet prior to installing the flap. This will ensure that the flap will fit. This will avoid accidents, like your cat sustaining injuries by jumping through windows.
The flap should be large enough to allow your pet easily slide through it. If the flap isn't big enough, your pet may struggle to use it. They could end up stuck within it.
Think about the material used for the flap and if you would like it to be framed or not. Frames are usually more expensive than unframed flaps, but they are more durable. Framed flaps are also more secure than flaps that are not, as they are less likely to be taken away or smashed.
In addition to the cost of the cat flap you should also consider any other accessories you need. You might require a collar tag read as well as a security lock or a pet-door lock. Microchip cat flaps are most expensive, however they offer enhanced security and can be programmed to identify only your pets.
A professional installer is required to install the cat flap properly. Improper installation can cause injury and damage. A professional installation is worth the cost to get peace of mind. The right flap will also assist in reducing heating and cooling costs by keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. Additionally, it could increase the value of your home.