Cat Flaps
Cat Flaps:
Three Important Tips For Choosing the Best Cat Flaps
Cat doors, or cat flaps have been around for a very long time and have gradually evolved from a very basic hole in the door to some very sophisticated infrared, magnetic or microchip cat gates.One of the leading manufacturers of cat flaps is Staywell, but there are a great number of other good quality brands available. Cat flaps have the great advantage that your cat can come and go as it pleases, especially good if you are out all day.
Your cat will want to go outside
Points to consider when buying cat flaps
However, before you rush out to buy your beloved cat his own cat flap there are three important tips for choosing the best cat door; the size of your cat and frame required, which type of cat flap you want and where you are going to install your cat door.
Firstly, the size of your cat. You need to consider the breed as well as size. Some breeds of cat are too big to fit through some doors. While small cats may not have the strength to be able to push open some doors. Make sure you measure your cat from the widest part, usually the shoulders. Allow a little to spare, just incase your cat should grow or expand, as many do with age, just like humans.
Whatever size you choose the frame should be easy to install, yet strong enough to not only last for some years, but be tough to withstand all different types of weather. Frames come in a variety of materials such as plastic or wood.
Secondly, you need to decide on the type of cat flap you want for your cat. There are now many different designs of cat flap to suit every position in your home, budget or need of your cat.
The best way to decide on a cat flap is to determine your budget. Obviously, the more sophisticated the cat flap, the more expensive it will be. At the basic end of the market you can buy a conventional two way in /out cat flap that locks both ways. With four way locking cat flaps you can manually select how you want to lock: from inside, outside or both. This is probably the most popular type of cat flap.
If you want more control over your cats movements (and neighbors cats) then for more expensive and sophisticated options are the electronic cat flaps, magnetic or microchip cat doors.
Magnetic cat flaps work by having strong magnets that lock the door in place. The door will not open unless you or your cat has a magnetic key. The key is attached to your cats collar. Because the magnetic cat door closes quickly, only one cat at a time can get through, preventing unwanted cats or other animals following.
Microchip cat flaps work by having a microprocessor-controlled locking system that responds immediately your cat approaches the flap. The tiny micro chip can either be fitted into your cat (by a vet) or if you do not like the idea of that, it can be worn around your cats neck on a collar. One of the disadvantages of such cat flaps is that if the collar gets lost or breaks, your cat is stuck until you can open it for him.
Thirdly, after having chosen the size and type of door you want, you now have to decide where to put it. Most cat owners opt for the back door to the garden, for which any of the already mentioned cat flaps work well.
However, if this is not an option a window cat flap might be an option. This does have it’s disadvantages as installation can be difficult. Cutting glass is a specialist job. Also there is a safety problem. Windows are the weakest part in your homes security. With a window cat flap you run the risk of increased attention from burglars. Window cat flaps can also be fitted in patio doors and should have a locking system strong enough to keep out all but your cat.
If no door or window can be found to install a cat flap, a door through the wall might be your only option. For installing this type of door you will need to cut a tunnel in the wall, installing a cat flap at each end.
Most cat flaps are constructed to fit as wide a range of doors as possible. But before you buy make sure it is compatible with the material of your door. And if fitting it yourself, make sure you read the instructions before you start. Whichever of the many types of cat flaps you install, you and your cat, will certainly benefit from it’s convenience.