Cat Doors

Patio Pet Door

Cat Doors — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:12:42 +0000

Maybe you’d love to have a pet door for your cat or dog, but you really don’t want to have cut holes in any of your doors, which will significantly damage your property and possibly even lower your home’s value. Or maybe you don’t even own the home you’re living in, so cutting holes in the doors isn’t an option for you. Then you really need to check into a patio pet door. If you have sliding glass doors, a patio pet door is an easy solution for your pet’s mobility needs.

There are many different options and sizes of the patio pet door. Whether you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, you can still get a patio pet door. Your Siamese and your Manx felines can both have a patio pet door that fits them. You can get an entire third door that rides on the same tracks as your existing sliding glass doors that has a built in pet opening. This allows your existing door to simply open, close and lock as it always has. There are other versions of the patio pet door that slide on the sliding glass door track as an insert and your sliding glass door will simply open and close to the point that the patio pet door sits. You can’t lock your sliding glass door like you did before, but otherwise, it will function the same way.

You can get a patio pet door that is single or double paned, your choice. You can also get them with extra insulation if you’re concerned about heat or cold air loss. The patio pet door is so easy to install, you can have it out of its box and up and in use within fifteen minutes. You can’t say that about a traditional pet door with a rubber flap.

You can also get an electronic patio pet door if you’re concerned about safety. These doors are so smart they will not allow any pet in or out except your pet. They accomplish this by the means of either magnetic or infrared recognition of something attached to your pet’s collar. They also lock so that no human being can gain entry to your home either. If you’re concerned about safety, this will give you piece of mind.

If you’re thinking of buying a patio pet door, you will need to measure for it. With the sliding glass door open, measure the track’s height. You will want to do some shopping online as there are so many companies with so many options. There are custom doors that will obviously take longer since they have to be constructed according to your measurements. You will want to compare price, but don’t let that be the deciding factor because you will want a quality patio pet door, since this is a barrier between the outside world and the inside of your home. Check shipping costs as well. The patio pet door does tend to be more costly than a plain old pet flap, but they have so many more benefits.

Dog Door for Sliding Glass Door

Cat Doors — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:09:09 +0000

If you have a sliding glass door, then you may be searching for a dog door for sliding glass door. There are lots of pet doors out there, and in recent years they have designed doors specifically for sliding glass doors since many people have these in their homes as the sole means for accessing the backyard.

There are semi-permanent and temporary versions of the dog door for sliding glass door. This is a great option if you do not own your home, because they can be removed without a trace left to show it was ever there. You don’t have to cut a hole in the door or permanently damage anything in order to use these doors.

All you do to use a dog door for sliding glass door is set the insert into the same grooves the sliding glass door uses. Now your sliding glass door will only slide open to the position of the insert. But you haven’t had to cut a hole in the glass of the door either. You get all the benefits of a doggy door without any damage to the home itself. ‘

You can get a single pane dog door for sliding glass door or a double pane dog door for sliding glass door. You can also opt for an insulated dog door for sliding glass door. They come in a variety of sizes for large dogs and small pooches alike so you only buy the insert size you need. They are constructed with an aluminum frame built to withstand high traffic. They also feature a weather strip to seal the opening. They can be installed simply and you won’t need to dig around for a single tool to help you.

Just think: your pooch can let himself out into the backyard at will. You no longer have to get up every single time your dog wants to go outside. Nor do you need to chase your dog around in the morning before work or worry about your dog making a mess on the floor or the carpet. How many times have you not been able to let the dog out before work and then come home to a mess? Or you let the dog out, but then get halfway to work and realize you forgot to let him back in? That will derail your entire day.

A negative of the dog door for sliding glass door is the price. They do cost significantly more than the traditional doggie door with the plastic flap. However, the lack of damage to your property and the convenience factor of the dog door for sliding glass door make it worth it for many pet owners.

You can buy the dog door for sliding glass door online from a number of different vendors. Shop around and find the best deal and check on shipping costs. These doors are a bit larger than the traditional doggie door, so the shipping may be a bit more.

Petsafe Cat Flap

Cat Doors — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:06:47 +0000

The Petsafe Cat Flap allows you an ease in pet ownership like you’ve never seen before. You can attach it to any inside door in your home. This way you can section off spaces in your home as needed to make life safer for your cat and more pleasurable for you. For instance, you can keep the cat litter box in a room sequestered off to itself so you don’t have to look at it or smell it on a daily basis. But you also won’t need to let your cat in and out of the room so he can use it either.

Do you own cats and dogs? Then you can make certain rooms cats only by installing the Petsafe Cat Flap. If your cat needs to get away from your dog, he can access the Petsafe Cat Flap and make his getaway cleanly.

The Petsafe Cat Flap can be installed on any solid core door. If you have a hollow door, then you really wouldn’t be advised to use this item. It’s not recommended for use and would require such acrobatics to get it to work that you really wouldn’t be happy in the end. Ditto if you have metal doors in the interior of your home.

The Petsafe Cat Flap is pretty reasonably priced and isn’t difficult to install. It comes with a lock that you can slide from side to side. On the deluxe version of the Petsafe Cat Flap, there are actually four settings on the flap that you can control. You can leave it open so that cat and come and go. You can lock it so the cat can’t use it all. But you can also set it so once the cat goes through it, he can’t come back the other direction. And this works both ways. So you can set it so that it is allows entry but not exit, or exit but not entry. This allows you to deny access to the flap after it’s installed. The flap is transparent and sturdy.

The Petsafe Cat Flap is designed for cats who weigh less than 15 pounds. It makes almost no real noise as kitty makes his way through the opening. The plastic frame is durable and has a lifetime warranty. If you’re worried about the damage you will need to do to your door, it’s only a less than 8” by 8” opening.

You can find the Petsafe Cat Flap and the Petsafe Cat Flap Deluxe from many online vendors. Compare prices and shipping before you place an order. Also check the return policy and money-back guarantees before you order. If it arrives and you change your mind, you want to be sure that you can ship it back and get a refund. If you want to reduce your role as cat butler, then a Petsafe Cat Flap is for you. You can solve your litter box problem or your multi-pet problems with a Petsafe Cat Flap

Electronic Dog Door

Cat Doors — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:03:43 +0000

Pet ownership comes with the responsibility of caring for your pet. However, many people are finding it more taxing to do so in today’s hectic world. If you feel like your pet is having to look after himself more and more, then there are steps you can take. For instance, if you have an inside/outside dog, you may want to consider electronic dog doors.

Obviously, this doesn’t make your pet automated. You still have to feed and water him, as well as walk him and play with him. But it does alleviate the need for you to remember to let him out before you leave the house or go to bed. Your dog can take care of the needs of his bowels and bladder even when you’re not there.

Unlike the numerous problems associated with the traditional doggie door, electronic dog doors don’t allow stray animals into the house. Many /electronic dog doors work on an infrared light that only responds to a “key” firmly attached to your dog’s collar. (This accomplished through a waterproof computer chip you fasten to your dog’s collar.) Otherwise, it’s tightly and securely bolted shut. Other doors work on different technology. There is magnetic, electro-magnetic, sonic frequency and RFID means of keeping electronic dog doors bolted shut.

One of the concerns associated with electronic dog doors is the expense. Obviously anything electronic will cost more money than the old school manual doggie flaps. However, the safeguarding features of the electronic version are worth it for many homeowners.

Another concern is the capability to lose heat in the winter and cold air in the summer through multiple comings and goings of your pooch. If your pet is put in charge of their own mobility, they may run in and out of the house all day and night. You can lessen this concern by ensuring the door itself is quite insulated and opening is tightly sealed. There is a Plexidor model that should help with insulation. It’s constructed from tough materials and because slides up and down as needed, there is no concern about it blowing open in a heavy wind, which is a real potential problem with a traditional doggie door.

Many electronic dog doors come with multi-year warranties and are fairly easy to install. If you don’t feel confident in your handy man skills, you can purchase installment from the specialists in the store. Many companies also have a thirty day money-back guarantee as well. (Although, once you’ve cut a hole in your door for an electronic dog door, you can’t exactly undo that.)

Electronic dog doors can provide a solution in pet care so that your dog doesn’t have accidents in the home, nor do they suffer unnecessary taxation on the bladder by having to hold it for hours. Your dog will likely be happier as well since they can come and go as needed. They aren’t dependent upon you to get up and let them out or remember to let them back in. Electronic dog doors can make life easier for you and your dog.

Electronic Cat Door

Cat Doors — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 23:00:35 +0000

If you own a cat that lives inside, you may want to consider an electronic cat door. We’re all having to work longer hours in this economy and it’s difficult to be home consistently at the same time. This means your cat has to wait to go outside. Additionally, cats often like to come and go as they please. You never have to worry about your cat being locked outside because you have to leave before your cat returns from their prowling and travels.

If you have an electronic cat door or flap, your cat is now in charge of their own need to go outdoors. Cats often like to go out during the night to prowl and hunt. An electronic cat door will eliminate any need for you to interrupt your sleep. Your cat will be much happier if they are the masters of their own destiny. Controlling when they can go outside will give them so much more independence.

If you have to go out of town, an electronic cat door can be a lifesaver. You can use an electronic feeder and this automated door and you won’t need to inconvenience anyone by asking them to cat-sit for you. Electronic cat doors have gained popularity over the past few years. They’re much better than a traditional pet door because they guard against anyone utilizing it to break into your home.

Another benefit of the electronic cat door is they safeguard your cat from other neighborhood pets or strays. The door only allows specific cats to enter the door. The door works on a magnetic. This magnet is embedded on your cat’s collar. Another animal trying to enter the property will not be allowed admission into your home, so you don’t need to worry about a pack of cats taking up residence in your home.

Some concerns have been raised regarding electronic cat doors. You need to consider these risks very carefully before opting for one. You are giving your cat independence, but you are also allowing your cat to be in a position of vulnerability. If your cat can let themselves out at night, they could be hit by a car much more easily. Drivers often cannot see pets at night as well as they can during daylight hours. Additionally, cats that roam freely are more at risk for attack by strays or other neighborhood animals, such as raccoons. This puts them at risk for rabies and other conditions.

Battery failure on your electronic cat door could result in your cat being trapped outside. The magnetic chip in your cat’s collar could be lost if it’s not securely embedded or attached. If your cat can come and go freely, he or she is vulnerable to poisons. Cats have been known to unknowingly drink antifreeze, which has a rather sweet aroma. It takes mere hours for antifreeze to kill a cat.

Electronic cat doors can be a much needed tool to help you care for your cat, but you need to be aware of the risks involved as well.

Cat Doors

Cat Doors — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:36:17 +0000

Cats require a massive time and financial commitment from any potential owner. While cats do tend to require slightly less attention than a dog, depending upon the cat’s personality, they are still responsibilities you’ll have to be prepared to undertake. But that’s why there are also aides to make this process as easy as possible on your part. Important items like cat doors can be invaluable for making sure your cat is well taken care of, under any circumstance. Plus a tool like a pet door will allow you to let your cat in and out of your home, without having to be vigilant every time your animal needs to come in, or venture out.

Cat doors can be very important items as not every cat is completely happy being of the indoor variety. In fact, not allowing your cat to go outside could be a cause of destructive behavior within your home. Whenever an animal isn’t properly stimulated in their environment, their energy turns to mischievous things that you probably won’t appreciate. Like clawing up furniture, and your curtains. To resolve this a cat door will allow you to provide a way for your cat to go in and out at their leisure. They are convenient tools to serve a purpose for both you, and your pet’s well being.

There are also a variety of cat doors to choose from, so you’ll have plenty of options when trying to find the right one for you. Typically the three main varieties include a single flap door, twin flap doors, and even automatic electric doors. Single flap doors function just as they sound. This is just a door with a flap that the cat can push to go through to the outside, or return to your home from the other side. The twin flap doors work to better insulate your home for warm and cold days, by creating an air pocket between the two doors that insulates your home’s temperature. That way you don’t lose heat when it’s cold, by having a flap door that’s always open.

Electric cat doors work automatically by using a sensor that you attach to your pet’s collar. When the cat approaches the doorway, the flap will automatically open providing the cat access to the outside, or a way back into your house. This is extremely useful for sealing the doorway so that you don’t lose any of your home’s insulation abilities. Also this prevents any animals that aren’t your cat from entering your home, which can be a problem when using a traditional single or double flap cat door.

For purchasing any type you can either go to your local pet store, like PETCO, or also order one online. This will require some level of professional installation however, as you’ll be required to cut a hole in your existing door so that your pet door can be attached. Usually the electric doors are the most expensive, because of the more advanced technology. Electric cat doors typically cost around $50 and more, whereas the average flap door will retail around $10-20.

Magnetic Cat Door

Cat Doors — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:34:04 +0000

A magnetic cat door is a brilliant invention. They will enable your cat to come and go as they please, without the need for you to hassle with opening and closing the door for them each time. Plus they are more secure and sturdy than a standard cat flap, or even electronic door. Magnetic cat doors provide an unparalleled level of security that other doors just don’t. Although they can be more expensive than a standard cat flap, that price is well justified for the quality you’ll be receiving.

A magnetic cat door works by using powerful magnets to seal the flap in place when not in use. Then by using a magnetic key that is attached to your cat’s collar, the magnets will deactivate and your cat can easily push through the door. Once the magnets relock into place after your cat has entered or left, the door becomes very solid. No other animal will be able to pass through, and the door will remain solid enough to prevent most hazards. This is extremely useful if you’re worried about how a cat door will impact your home’s security.

The problem with standard cat doors is just that they don’t offer a whole lot of security. A regular cat flap can easily be accessed by animals or even thieves. Any raccoon can squeeze through and raid your home while you’re asleep, wreaking any kind of havoc you can imagine. Not to mention they are favored by thieves because they are easy to open, and gain access to the inside of your home by manipulating a door’s lock from the inside. Plus a standard cat flap provides almost no insulation, meaning you’ll be paying more for heat in the winter to make up for all the hot air you lose in the flap’s seams.

But most electric doors aren’t much better. They are controlled by using a sensor in your cat’s collar that causes the door to open when your pet is near. But this can be easily broken or opened by thieves, and also don’t provide the same level of protection against drafts. Electric doors don’t seal as well as a magnetic cat door, so your home won’t be insulated quite as well. Plus they are fairly easy for animals to pry open as well, especially if they’re determined. That makes them unsuitable for any area with a lot of inquisitive wildlife.

The best choice is clearly a magnetic cat door, and you’ll be able to purchase one at any local pet store. Pet Smart for example, will usually have a few options in stock. Also a pet store’s staff will be able to answer any safety or installation questions that you may have. Or if you find the local prices seem too high for your budget, you can also shop around online. Websites like Amazon.com and even StacksandStacks.com have more than a few options that should be able to serve your magnetic cat door needs. But remember to consider professional installation if you don’t feel up to cutting a hole in your existing doorway. This way you ensure proper installation for maximum security and animal safety.

Petsafe Cat Door

Cat Doors — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:31:42 +0000

A Petsafe cat door affords you the opportunity to present your cat with easy access to the outdoors, without sacrificing home security. The problem with your ordinary cat flap is that any animal can easy pass through, and enter your home. Or a thief can easily make use of one, in order to break into your house. Having a properly secured cat door is vital, and Petsafe manufacturers many different types with safety features of chief importance. The main things to consider, when choosing which door is the best for you, are your personal preferences.

There are two main flap types when you are looking to purchase a Petsafe cat door. Those include Infrared (IR) doors and four way locking system doors. Both have their own strengths and weaknesses, in terms of price an accessibility. The four way locking door provides an easy way for your cat to enter and leave the premises. Working not unlike a traditional cat flap, this type of door allows your cat to easily push through the flap, to the other side of your door. When not in use you can prevent the close the door by activating the four locks on the inside of the door. This way nothing can access your home when you’re away.

IR Petsafe cat doors offer the same level of security as a four way locking system, but with the added convenience of being completely automatic. An IR door works by reading a key attached to your cat’s collar, which then locks and unlocks the door so that your cat can easily go through to the other side. This is useful as the locks will automatically keep out any animals without a key, and also provides the safety of locking itself so that you don’t have to. The only problem is that if the infra red key isn’t attached to your cat’s collar firmly, it can fall off and then be lost, leaving your cat unable to access your door.

Both of these can be purchased from your standard pet store. Typically the four way locking types are less expensive, mainly because they don’t involve as much technology. Usually a four way lock will cost you around $10-15 making them very inexpensive. An IR Petsafe cat door is typically in the $40-50 range because of the technology involved. But if your cat loses a the key, a spare will cost you around $30 in order to replace if you can’t find it again.

Although, there is another alternative if you don’t want to install a Petsafe cat door. The problem with most doors is that they have complicated installations and require you to cut a hole in your door. This process can be averted by using a Petsafe window cat door. They are more expensive, but are easier to install and don’t require as much work to affix to a window. Typically a window door will cost in the $70 and up range. But depending upon your preferences, this can be an easy alternative to installing a cat flap on your door, by yourself.

Staywell Cat Door

Cat Doors — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:29:07 +0000

Cats take up a lot of your time, and require a lot of attention. Any pet is a massive time and financial commitment, so that you can provide for the animal’s well being. With cats part of that is ensuring that they have the proper environment to be happy, without becoming destructive. Usually this means allowing them access to the outdoors regularly. Opening and closing the door for your cat constantly, is a huge hassle. But that’s where a Staywell cat door comes in nicely.

Staywell is a well known brand of cat doors that offers a wide variety of different styles to suit your preferences. Which cat door you’re most comfortable with, will depend upon your tastes in terms of convenience, home security, and home insulation. The main types of doors offered by Staywell are the four way locking cat door, magnetic door, and infra red sensing flap. Each works in a different way and utilizes a different type of technology. The four way locking flap is your standard cat door, but with the added security of a lock that you can activate, when the flap is not in use when you aren’t home.

Infra red Staywell cat doors work by reading a key attached to your cat’s collar so that it will automatically open and close when your cat is near. This is handy so that you don’t have to worry about locking the door, as it seals itself automatically. Plus no other animal will be able to enter, because of the key that your cat wears will be the only way to access the door. The only problem with this is making sure your cat’s collar stays secure and that the key can’t be easily removed. Otherwise if your pet loses the key outside, it will have no way of reentering your home without your assistance.

Magnetic flaps are probably the most secure of any Staywell cat doors. They make use of strong magnets all throughout the flap and opening, so that the door stays firmly sealed when not in use. The magnetic locks are much stronger than any other type of cat door, so this provides the most security and insulation. The door can be automatically opened by your cat, through the use of a magnetic key that it carries on it’s collar. But this presents the same problem as the infra red key, in that your cat can lose the key and be unable to reenter. In that case you’d have to purchase a new magnetic key for the door to be used again.

You can purchase any of these types of doors by using your local pet store, or even shopping online. Typically the internet will have the most wide variety of doors and accessories. Websites like PetDoors.com are a good place to start. Plus they also allow you to purchase new keys for magnetic and infra red Staywell cat doors. That way you can replace a lost key, should anything happen to it. This is extremely useful to make sure your Staywell cat door can be used by your cat with ease.

Window Cat Door

Cat Doors — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:27:22 +0000

A window cat door is an easy and quick way to allow your cat to go outside anytime they should feel like doing so. This is a much more convenient way to let your cat out, instead of waiting for a signal that they need to go outside, letting your cat out, and then waiting to let your cat in again.

The only problem most people have with this accessory in general is that installation can be a major pain. Adding a pet door to your home usually requires you to cut a hole in an existing door, so that you can install the pet flap. But you can avoid all of that by purchasing a window cat door.

Window cat doors work about the same as a standard cat flap, only they are put into a window instead of your doorway. This make installation much easier, and much less of a hassle for you to deal with. Also this is a cost effective way to provide access to the outdoors for your cat. There are two options put before you if you want to install a window cat door. You can either convert a standard cat flap, or purchase a door that’s specifically made to affix itself to any window opening.

Really the type of set up you choose depends upon how much money you want to spend. Converting a standard cat flap into a window version is cheaper, but will require more work on your part. This will require using a cat door in a way that’s not necessarily recommended by the door manufacturer however. While this can be a cheap method of providing your cat with access to the outside, it also isn’t completely safe. So unless you absolutely trust your abilities as a carpenter, you’re better off going with a window cat door.

Purchasing a window cat door is more expensive but also requires much less effort on your part. So that price goes towards convenience and ease of use. Typically there are two different types on the market, electric and magnetically sealing cat doors. Because they are installed in your window the importance or properly sealing is emphasized more than with a door unit. Electronic doors work by reading a sensor attached to your cat’s collar to open and close when your cat is near. Magnetic doors are opened when your cat pushes through them, and then reseal themselves to keep your home properly insulated.

You may be able to find a window cat door at your local pet store, but they can be hard to find in some cases. But you should try a store in your area, so that you can see the options available to you, before shopping online. A pet store can give you any help or tips that you need before installation, so that you can make sure your window cat door is a safe and reliable way for your cat to travel. Typically you can expect to pay upwards of $60 for a window flap.