When thinking about getting a cat flap installed, it can be difficult to find the right place for it. You will be glad to know that many cat flats are specifically designed to be easily installed in doors and windows, giving you plenty of places to choose from!
What is a Cat Flap?
A cat flap sometimes referred to as a pet door or cat door, is a tiny opening in a door or window that is made to let cats and other small pets easily enter and exit a home without assistance from a human. Usually, these flaps have a sliding or hinged panel that the pet may push open to get through. Cat flaps are available in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, so pet owners may select the one that best suits their needs and the style of their home. Installing a cat flap may be convenient for both owners and pets. It gives owners peace of mind knowing that their pets have access to the outdoors while enabling cats to come and go as they want.
More: Which SureFlap Cat Flap Should I Install?
Where do I install a cat flap?
Make your cat feel secured
Cats often show signs of vulnerability, especially when it comes to other stray animals. When considering installing a cat flap, you may need to consider how the layout of your garden may affect it. If the cat flap leads to an open lawn or patio, there may be a high chance of your cat getting ambushed by other pets. The best option for this will be if you have a door which has access to a side alley. It could be perfect as it is a concealed entrance for your cat.
Install multiple cat flaps
Considering that cats are territorial, installing more than one cat flap might be a good idea. This is because it will allow your cat to enter the house quickly if something is bothering them.
Consider the height
Your cat's height should always be considered when installing a cat flap. The reason is that when entering or leaving the house, it should be comfortable for them. A great way to measure the height is to measure your cat's stomach from the floor.
Home Layout
The layout and architectural details of your house should be taken into account when choosing where to put a cat flap. Select a door or window that complements the general design of your house and is convenient for your cat to reach. Furthermore, make sure that the placement is such that appropriate installation is possible without sacrificing the door's or window's structural integrity.
Indoor Accessibility
The locations where your cat spends the most time indoors should have indoor accessibility given priority when installing a cat flap. This includes deciding on a spot that makes it simple to go to the kitchen, living room, or any other desired interior area. You may make sure that your cat can move freely between indoor and outdoor surroundings without running into any hurdles or impediments by placing it in the centre of your house.
Weather Protection
Make sure the cat flap's chosen location offers enough weather protection to keep your cat safe from wind, rain, and extremely hot or cold conditions. To reduce exposure to severe weather, choose a door or window with some degree of shelter, like a covered porch or alcove. To further improve protection from the weather, think about adding a cat flap with weatherproof characteristics, like a draft excluder or magnetic closure.
Still not sure where you should install a cat flap? Speak to our expert cat flap fitters by viewing our contact details down below.
Benefits of Installing a Cat Flap
Promotes Healthy Activity Levels
Cat flaps give cats access to the outside and encourage them to move about and play, including running, jumping, and climbing. Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding health problems associated with obesity in cats requires regular exercise. Cats can easily satisfy their innate desire to explore and wander outdoors, which helps to keep them mentally and physically active.
Encourages Exploration
Because cats are naturally inquisitive animals, giving them the chance to explore their outdoor surroundings enhances their mental and emotional well-being. With the help of cat flaps, cats can explore new sights, noises, and smells in the outdoors, which satisfies their curiosity. Their senses are stimulated and their minds are enriched by this investigation, which keeps them from getting bored and enhances their general wellbeing.
Supports Natural Behaviors
Cats' natural hunting and exploring instincts are derived from their time spent evolving as predators. Cat flaps allow cats to go outside and participate in these natural activities, such as stalking prey, chasing insects, and exploring their environment. Satisfying these instincts makes indoor cats happier and more comfortable by lowering their stress and anxiety levels.
Reduces Behavioral Issues
Cats who are confined indoors may develop behavioural problems like boredom, anxiety, and aggression. Pet owners can lessen these problems by giving cats a way to let their energy and innate tendencies out by installing a cat flap that allows them access to the outdoors. Allowing your cat to explore and go outside reduces the likelihood that it will engage in destructive habits like scratching furniture or urinating outside of the litter box, which makes for a happy living situation for both you and your cat.
More: How to train your cat to use a cat flap
Speak with our expert cat flap fitters
Our qualified fitters are available across Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham and Peterborough. Call us on 0330 133 1655 to find out more about our cat flap fitting services.
You can also browse our previous installation work by heading to our gallery page.
