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.

Choosing a Cat Litter Tray

Dealing with cat litter is probably one of the biggest drawbacks to owning a cat.  While we love their furry faces, affectionate nose bumping and playful moments,  few cat owners relish the task of cleaning up their pet´s toilet area.  Fortunately there are a large variety of litter trays that reduce odour and make cleaning quick and easy.

Basic rectangular plastic litter trays cost just a few pounds,  but it is well worth upgrading to a slightly more expensive version to save on mess, smells and hassle.  Cat urine is slightly corrosive, so line a plastic litter tray with newspaper or a litter tray liner to keep the tray from becoming pitted and difficult to clean.  Using a clumping litter allows you to scoop out any urine regularly without the need to fully empty and clean the tray, keeping the litter tray fresher.  Some cat litter also contains deodorizing ingredients which help to reduce nasty smells, and this type of cat litter is well worth investing in, especially if you have more than one cat in your home.

A cat litter tray with a rim can stop litter from being kicked out of the tray while your cat is scratching.  Some cat litter trays also feature higher walls at the back and sides to protect against this problem even further.

However, the peak of cat litter tray design is the fully enclosed style which provides a little privacy for cats while keeping everything discreetly hidden from any humans in the room.  These litter trays come with a hood or cover which stops any litter from escaping, and air filters to help eliminate odors.  The downsize is that these litter trays resemble cat carriers, so some cats may be put off switching from a conventional open tray to an enclosed one.

Cat Scratching Post Options

Purchasing a cat scratching post is a must if you want to save your furniture, flooring, walls, curtains and patience from being tattered and snagged beyond salvation.  Cats scratch surfaces in order to keep their claws clean, sharp and in good condition.  The act of scratching also stretches and exercises certain muscle groups in the legs and shoulders.  Because it is a natural and healthy activity,  cats should not be stopped from scratching, but rather encouraged to scratch in a specific place.

Teaching your cat to use a scratching post is fairly simple, although we all know how stubborn cats can be! Luckily, most cat scratching posts are designed to be great places for cats to scratch,  made out of sisal, carpet or other materials which are ideal for cats to use to keep their claws trimmed.  Once in your home, you will probably find that your cat is naturally drawn to exploring and then scratching the post.  If you do find your cat scratching anywhere other than on his post, tell him “No” and clap once loudly to startle him into stopping.

Because scratching also stretches and tones a cat´s legs,  many cats like to have a few scratching areas where they can stand in different positions.  This is where a larger, more elaborate cat scratching post comes in useful, as it allows your cat to explore various positions. From basic sisal mats to place on the floor or mount on the wall,  to a standard scratching post on a base, to multi-level trees and activity centres, cat scratching posts come in a huge range of sizes and shapes, and can incorporate several scratching areas, toys, hiding places and places to chill out and relax.  

Think about where your cat currently scratches, and try to replicate the surface, position and angle of his favourite scratching place as closely as possible to make the transition to a new scratching post as trouble free as possible.  Take some time to browse through all of your options to find the perfect fit for your cat.

How To Avoid Cat Carrier Chaos!

Every cat will need transported at some point or another, but for most pet owners as soon as the dreaded cat carrier appears, their feline friend is suddenly nowhere in sight.  Few cats sit happily in their carriers, with most disliking being restrained in a small space against their will.  Add in an uncomfortable experience in a bumpy car, or a particularly difficult visit to the vet and a cat will quickly associate the cat carrier with all things bad.  Here are some tips on how to end the typical struggle of getting your cat in and out of their carrier.

1.  They say prevention is better than a cure.  Rather than only appearing at times when your cat needs to be transported,  keep the cat carrier out in your home as just another comfy spot for him to relax.  When you see your cat getting into the carrier give him praise and attention, or a small treat, so that he associates it with good experiences, rather than bad ones. 

2. Learn the best way to get your cat inside the carrier.  Ideally, you should be able to pick up your cat, spend a couple of minutes stroking him until he is relaxed and then place him calmly inside the carrier.  However some cats will put up quite a fight against being put in the carrier.  If your cat is struggling against you it is important to get him into the carrier while avoiding injury to either you or him.  One way to do this is to use a towel.  Take a small hand towel and pick up your cat, gently but firmly wrapping the towel around him so that his paws (and sharp claws!) are safely tucked away.  Once placed inside the carrier, the cat should quickly free himself from the loose towel and you can pull it out.

3.  If your cat is particularly resistant to getting into his carrier, try purchasing a larger size.  A small dog carrier is not only roomier, giving your cat more space to move around, but has a larger opening so that it is easier to place your cat inside, even when their legs are trying to grab wildly at the sides.

How To Keep you Cat Extra Safe With Cat Collars

If your cat loves to explore the neighbourhood there are many dangers that he will be exposed to.  While the urban jungle might be mostly safer than the wilderness that wild cats live in there are still hazards that your cat will have to face.  Some cat collars have been designed with this in mind, and incorporate safety features to keep your cat out of trouble from high vis to high tech, here are some of the ways that cat collars can complement your cat’s survival skills.

If price is no object, and you simply have to know where your cat is at all times, then you may already have heard about GPS cat collars, which are fitted with a device that allows you to track your pet´s movements wherever they roam.  However sometimes the best ideas are the simplest, for example, some cat collars feature a small section of elastic.  While not as high tech as GPS, this safety features allows a cat to squeeze out of their collar should it become snagged on something.  If your cat loves to roam around outdoors this type of breakaway cat collar may save them from becoming trapped in tree branches, hedges or fences.

Another safety feature seen in many collars is some form of reflective material that will make them easy to spot in a car´s headlights, helping to avoid any nasty road accidents.  The collar may be entirely reflective or may have some decoration that will catch the light.  You can also buy small flashing lights to attach to your cat´s collar, making them easy to find in the dark.

The final safety of a cat collar is a bell.  If you can´t see your cat, at least you will be able to hear him tinkling away whenever he moves.  Bells are also a great way to prevent your cat from bringing home ‘gifts’ or birds or mice, as they will have a warning before he pounces!

Fun Cat Beds

There is no question that cats rule the roost!  If their favourite place to sleep happens to coincide with your favourite seat on the sofa you may face a constant battle of wills over who gets to spend time in the best place to chill out.  For this reason savvy cat owners know how important it is to give their cat an irresistible bed to sleep in.

Not only will this make it easier for you to enjoy a night relaxing in front of the TV without having to shift the cat but having a comfy bed provides a cat with his own space to provide a sense of territory and safety.

Cat beds are as varied as cat personalities, but here are some of our current favourite fun options:

Minou Plush Cat Cave
This luxurious cat bed provides a plush sleeping place for cats who like their privacy.  Trimmed with fur,  the cozy cave is an ideal option for cats who like to sleep hidden away from the prying eyes of the world.

Cat Sofa
Reclaim your place on the sofa by getting your cat their very own!  This cute cat bed looks stylish and fun in any living area, and is a comfy place for any cat to chill out while watching “Animals Do the Funniest Things”.

Moscow Cat Bed
This extra deep, soft plush bed is ideal for kittens and young cats who tend to sleep away most of their day.  The cute paw print design is adorable, and kittens will have fun clambering in and out of the gaps between the pads.

The Big Cheese
This colourful cheese shaped bed comes with a full portion of fun!  Three entrance holes give curious cats a choice of how to climb in and out of this bed, and the enclosed space gives them a feeling of safety.

Catwalk Collection Scratchpost Bed Combo
For cats who like to multi-task, this bed provides a soft place to rest with some fun play features.  The scratchpost is great for keeping claws in great shape, while the dangling pom poms are just begging to be played with!

Treat your cat to a new, fun bed today!

What Should I look for When I Choose a Kitten?

• Coat should be Glossy, no signs of dandruff, fleas or dirt.
• Tummy should be plump, not bloated or hard but slightly rounded.
• Eyes should be clear and bright. No sign of the third eyelid and no discharge.
• Teeth should be straight and meet at the top and bottom.
• Nose should be slightly damp but there should be no discharge.
• Bottom should be clean with no signs of diarrhoea.
• Ears should be clean and free from discharge.

Good luck and enjoy yourself, please send us some pictures of your new family member, if you have any more tips please let us know.