***Collaborative post***
If you’re thinking about installing a cat flap or a dog flap in your home, then there are several important factors to consider. Ideally, a cat flap or pet door should add convenience and increase safety, not the opposite. There are also different kinds of pet door you can look into, to decide which one would best suit your home and your lifestyle. If you have pets, especially dogs and cats, it’s important to try and give them their independence. This does, however, depend on their breed. Here’s how to choose the right pet door for you.
Things to consider before installing a pet door
Some cats, for example, are bred as house cats. This means that they won’t necessarily be safe going in and out on their own. It’s vital to speak to the shelter or breeder where you got your pet and find out first whether they can go outside safely.
If you’re pet is safe to go outside, the next thing you need to check is the conditions of your garden. Is outside safe for your pet? Have a clear out and do some garden maintenance. Run through a checklist to ensure your garden is pet-friendly. That way, you’ll have peace of mind when they’re off roaming on their own.
The location of your cat flap or pet door is also important. You’ll need to find a suitable door or wall in which your dog or cat can enter easily and safely. Think about whether this will disturb you in the night.
The benefits of a pet door
You ideally want to create a safe living environment for your pets and all your family. A pet door is actually safer for cats and dogs. They can always get outside, but also they can get back in. If they need to come in quickly due to foxes or bad weather they can without having to get your attention.
It’s also beneficial for their wild nature. For dogs that don’t normally use litter trays like cats would, it helps to avoid any toilet accidents. Both animals will have a little more freedom and independence which has several health benefits.
Different types of pet doors
If you aren’t sure which is best suited to your home then you could start by reading some cat flap reviews. For further information, here is an overview of the most common types:
- 2-way locking
A 2-way locking pet door has a simple locking system. You can manually set the door to locked or unlocked.
- 4-way locking
These are more advanced. You can set “in” to either locked or unlocked, and “out” to locked on unlocked.
- Magnetic
These are opened by a magnet attached to your cats collar.
- Microchip
Your cat’s microchip acts as an electronic key, so no other cat can open it.
If you would like to give your pet more freedom and independence, a pet door could be right for you. Make sure you take their safety into consideration before you decide.
