Top Cat Flap Questions Answered

Cat flaps are a great way to give your cat more freedom and independence to explore their neighbourhood.  Small and simple to use,  cat flaps can be installed easily and offer a secure way for your cat to come and go as he pleases.  But there are some things you should keep in mind before purchasing and installing an entrance for your cat.  Here are the most frequently asked questions we hear about cat flaps:

Are cat flaps expensive?
No! While many people still perceive cat flaps to be expensive, they are actually surprisingly affordable, with some models costing less than £15.

How easy are cat flaps to install?
Although installation will vary from home to home, in general the process is quite simple.  Most cat flaps will come with instructions to help you with installation and you won´t need more than a measuring tape, pencil, drill, saw and sandpaper to create the hole in which to fit the cat flap.  Be sure to pay attention to the exact placement of your cat flap to ensure that it is at a height that is comfortable for your cat to use.

Can I install a cat flap on a glass door?
Cat flaps can be fitted in a glass door in much the same way as in a wooden door,  however it is recommended that you contact a glazier to help you,  as replacing an entire glass pane due to accidental breakage can be expensive!  Cat flaps cannot be fitted to doors with double glazed or toughened glass panels.

Can I install a cat flap on a PVC door?
Yes, although the process is a littler trickier than with a single panel wood door.  You will usually need to remove the panels from the door, cut out the holes and then reassemble the door before installing the cat flap.  You will also need to buy a cat flap that is thick enough for the depth of the door.

How do I know other cats won’t use my cat flap?
Magnetic and infra red cat flaps can only be opened by a ‘key’ worn by your cat on their collar.  The key is programmed with the correct signal to open the cat flap, and the chances of two keys opening the same cat flap is very slim.

Won’t my cat flap let in a draft?
Good quality cat flaps are designed to be weatherproof, and feature seals that keep out drafts and rain.

Essential Cat Supplies

Whether you are adopting an adult cat, or bringing home a new kitten, there are a few essential cat supplies that you will need to welcome your new kitty into your home.

Cat Litter and Tray
One of the key essentials,  a cat litter tray provides a defined and sanitary place for your cat to relieve themselves.  It is important to have the litter tray set up before introducing your cat into your home, and make sure that they can find is easily, in order for them to learn that this is the place that you want them to go.  

Cat litters vary a great deal in cost and quality, and some cats can be picky about the type of litter that they will use so you may need to experiment with a few brands before finding one that both you and your cat are happy with.

Cat Collar
Your cat’s collar can be as basic or as flamboyant as you want, but above all it should be comfortable.  If you are bringing home a kitten you will probably need to buy a smaller collar now and a full sized one in a few months.

Cat Bed
Although most cats will decide for themselves on the comfiest spot in your home and quickly take up residence there it is important that they have a space that is exclusively theirs, where they can feel comfortable and safe.  Cat beds are sold in a wide variety of sizes and styles,  so you can choose one that fits in with the decor of your home and the space available.

Food and Water Bowls
Your cat will need his own food and water dishes.  These should be kept at a comfortable height for your cat to reach easily.  Bowls with non-slip feet are great if you will be feeding your cat on a hard surface to stop the bowl from sliding around the floor.  Auto-feeders are also available which will make sure your cat always has the right amount of food when he wants it.  

Food and Treats
There is a wide variety of specialty cat food on the market, so choose the highest quality that you can afford and look for any varieties that are designed for your cat´s specific needs, for example if he is elderly, overweight or an exotic breed.

Grooming Supplies
Cats are great at keeping themselves clean, but it doesn´t hurt to give them a helping hand.  Brushing you cat regularly can help to decrease hairballs as well as reduce the amount of shed hair in your home.  You may also want to buy some basic healthcare items such as ear drops, claw clippers and flea and tick treatments.

Scratching Post and Toys
Cats need to scratch to keep their claws in good condition.  If you want to avoid them tearing up your furniture or even walls make sure there is somewhere for your cat to relieve this natural urge.  There are some amazing, elaborate scratching posts available that offer your cat places to play and rest as well as trim his claws, however there are also more cost and space saving options.  It is advisable to start small and work your way up, as with all things, cats can be particular about where they like to scratch.

Cat Carrier
You will need a secure way to transport your cat to and from vet visits.  Choose between soft and foldable carriers to more robust crates.  A great trick to stop your cat from becoming nervous while in his carrier is to keep it out in your home at all times, as an alternative bed.  Place a snuggly blanket inside and occasionally encourage your cat to get in by putting a treat or two inside.

Training Your Cat To Use A Cat Flap

For owners that allow their cat to have access to the outdoors installing a cat flap to give them the ability to go in and out makes it easier on both of you. But just because you installed the flap for the cat to use does not necessarily mean they will do so. For the most part cats are usually very timid of things that are new and cat flaps are something that will take some getting used to as well as time for them to begin using on their own.

Training your cat to use a cat flap to go outside and come in and can be done much easier if you have a friend or spouse that the cat trusts to help you out. Each needs to sit on opposite sides of the flap with treats to entice the cat to come through. At first you may need to hold the flap open and allow the cat to pass through the opening without the flap in place to brush up against them. It may take some work as the cat may start to enter and then retreat only after getting part way through the opening.

Keep offering treats and allowing the cat to pass through eventually with the flap down so the cat must push it open themselves. Eventually your cat will get the idea and realize that the flap on the door is nothing to be afraid of. Once your cat has the hang of it make sure you use features such as the lock to keep the cat inside while you will be away for long periods of time. This will ensure that your cat cannot get out while you are gone and end up lost injured by another animal while you are not there to help them.

Choosing a Cat Flap For Your Home

Cats love to go outdoors just as much as dogs and with a cat flap an owner can allow them access to a patio or balcony for them to go outside and catch some sun. These doors are very similar to dog doors that many homeowners install only much smaller. Cat flaps are designed to accommodate cats entering and leaving the home and come in quite a variety of styles, colors and designs.

Contrary to popular belief installing a cat flap is not difficult and having the peace of mind of knowing that you cat can come and go as they please is comforting. Of course many of the doors for cats available have controls that the owner can use to manipulate the use of the door. This is convenient if you do not want your cat going outside while you are away from the home. While the four way locking method on some cat doors are perfect for homes that have more than one cat. You can lock one cat inside the home while still ensuring that a cat outside can get back in if they need to.

Unlike dog doors cat flaps are much smaller. This is an excellent choice when there are small children in the home since with a dog door small kids have been known to crawl through them. Of course if your cat is especially large you should ensure the cat flap you are considering for purchase will be wide enough to accommodate them as they pass through.

Getting the right cat flap for your door will make both you and your cat very happy. With a door you can still control but do not have to be there to operate your cat can be free to enjoy some sun on the deck but still have an escape route back into the home should a neighborhood dog or other animal harass them while they are outside.