Collar Tabs

Collar Tabs

Cat Flaps – Let Your Cat Roam Around Whenever It Likes

That cat’s behave as though they own your house and you are there to serve them. Admit it, that princess-like behavior is part of what allures us to them. Still, being expected to be treated that way can have its own set of problems. Cats holed up and lacking the chance to explore and roam around can become problems. Should your cat now have its own path out of the house, you might get pestered all day to let it out, until you give in. Suppose you do let it out, and then worry later on when it will actually come back home. If want you to pamper your cat a bit and avoid being mewed into submission, you might as well start shopping for cat flaps.

Pet doors for cat are often just plastic flaps that can swing both ways – outwards or inwards. There are various models you can choose from, and these may have varying features you want to take advantage off – from four way configurations (open only, close only, open both ways, and lock) to automatic opening and closing. With particular models, you also have a configuration that allows only one-directional entry (in or out) and then locks itself (good for when you want to lock up for the night). That way your cat can’t get out when it comes back in, a setting you will need.

For many types of doors, and even on walls, you will find many kinds of cat flaps. Sometimes the wall is thick that extra “tunnels” are needed to extend the frame into the wall. For those cat owners aware that cat flaps can let the heat out, there are insulated cat flaps that minimize energy loss through three (not just one) flap used. So whenever the flap opens and closes, there’s always a “pocket” of air that serves as barrier. After your cat has walked through one flap, the flap immediately behind it has already closed.

Cat flaps are also often smaller than flaps used by dogs. That’s one reason they are less prone to be used by thieves. Also, be sure to install the cat flap at the lowest point of your door. That way, your cat won’t have to jump through.

If you’re still thinking that other animals, like racoons, or your neighbor’s cat, or even a small child, can get through the flap, you should consider getting automatic pet doors or flaps. With automatic flaps, your cat wears a collar that triggers the door to open when the cat is near it, and close when your cat has walked a distance from it. When your cat gets near enough, the door automatically open to let your cat in, or out. But you do need to make sure the batteries are charged – the batteries on the collar – or else the door won’t open or close, and your cat might not be able to get in or out.

So after you go through this checklist – whether you want automatic or normal cat flaps, whether you’ll be having a door or wall installation, and if you may need some extra “tunnels” for insulated flaps, you’re ready to purchase your pet door.