If you have cats at home, there’s nothing more annoying than a pesky draft coming through an open cat door. Now that winter is in full swing, and chilly weather is here to stay for the months ahead, it’s essential to make sure your fur babies stay warm and protected. But how do you keep out the cold air while allowing your cat easy access between inside and outside? The answer lies in covering up their entryway.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why pet owners should cover their cat doors and provide step-by-step advice on how to cover a cat door. Not only will this keep drafts at bay but also give your cats a sense of security while they’re enjoying some outdoor time—read on to find out more about covering cat doors!
Tools and Materials You Will Need to Cover a Cat Door
- Cat door cover
- Tape measure
- Pencil or marker
- Scissors
- Foam weatherstripping (optional)
- Sticky-backed Velcro (optional)
Step-by-Step Guidelines on How to Cover a Cat Door
Step 1: Measure Your Cat Door
The first step to covering your cat door is to measure the size of the opening. The cover you select should be larger than the actual opening, so keep this in mind when measuring and purchasing a cover. If you’re using foam weather stripping, you’ll want to add a few inches to your measurements. Measuring your cat door is essential for ensuring the cover fits properly.
Step 2: Choose a Cover
Once you’ve measured the opening, it’s time to choose the right cover. There are many types of cat door covers available on the market, so make sure you select one that will adequately insulate against drafts and keep your furry friends snug. If you’re looking for something extra secure, look for covers with a dual flap system that seals on all sides of the door.
Step 3: Cut and Attach the Cover
After you’ve selected the right cover, it’s time to cut and attach it to the door. Using the pencil or marker, draw a line around the opening so that you know exactly where to cut. Then, use your scissors to carefully cut along the marked lines. Once it’s cut to size, attach the cover using either sticky-backed Velcro or foam weatherstripping (if necessary). Use the tape measure to ensure the cover has been properly secured.
Step 4: Test the Cover
Once the cover is attached, test it out to make sure it fits properly. If you’re using a dual flap system, ensure that both flaps close securely and tightly against each other. This will help prevent drafts and keep your cats warm and comfortable all winter long.
And there you have it—your cat door is now safely and securely covered! By following the steps outlined above, you can protect your pet from cold drafts while ensuring they have easy access both inside and outside. So if you’re looking for a way to keep your cats safe and warm this winter, covering their cat door is a great option.
Additional Tips and Tricks to Cover a Cat Door
1. If you have a sliding glass door, consider getting a window film to cover the cat door opening. This will allow the light to still come through while keeping your cat safely inside.
2. Use furniture or other items around your home to temporarily block off the doorway without having to install anything permanent. Consider using plants, chairs, or bookshelves to cover the opening.
3. If you have an interior door with a cat door installed, consider adding foam weatherstripping around the edges for added insulation. This will help keep your house warmer and more energy efficient.
4. For exterior doors, install a pet-proof screen door in front of the opening. This will allow you to keep your pet out while still allowing fresh air and light into your home.
5. If you want a more permanent solution, consider installing a metal pet door flap or plastic cover over the opening. This will provide a more secure barrier against potential intruders or wild animals.
6. Finally, if you are looking for a more unique solution, consider adding a decorative grille over the opening. This will add a bit of style to your home while also keeping your pet safe and secure inside.
By following these tips and tricks, you can easily cover up a cat door without sacrificing your pet’s safety or comfort. With the right supplies and a little bit of creativity, you can make sure that your pet remains safe while still enjoying the freedom to come and go as it pleases. Covering up a cat door is easier than you think and doesn’t have to break the bank. All you need is a bit of planning and imagination!
Things You Should Consider to Cover a Cat Door
1. Consider the Material of the Cat Door:
Certain materials will be more appropriate for your situation. If you’re in a climate that experiences extreme temperatures, you may want to use materials like wood or brick that can withstand temperature fluctuations without cracking or warping. Similarly, if there is a lot of moisture in your environment, metal might be a better choice as it won’t warp or rot.
2. Measure the Cat Door:
Measure carefully to ensure you are purchasing a cover that fits snugly and securely over the cat door. This is important to keep your pet safe from any potential predators, or even just pests like mosquitos. If you don’t have the exact measurements, you could always make a template out of cardstock or cardboard to help find the perfect fit.
3. Consider a Magnetic Option:
If your cat door is made of metal, you can consider purchasing magnetic covers that will snap into place easily and securely when not in use. Not only do these covers provide added security, they also look great and add a touch of style to your home. This is a great way to ensure your pet’s safety without sacrificing aesthetics.
4. Consider Installing a Cat Door Cover:
Another option is to install an actual cat door cover onto the existing frame of your cat door. This can be done using tools like screws or bolts, and it is often more secure than other methods. Plus, it will also give you the flexibility to easily open and close your cat door as needed. While this can be more expensive, it may be worth the peace of mind.
5. Look for Pet-Friendly Alternatives:
Finally, you should try to find pet-friendly alternatives to covering a cat door. For example, you could purchase an automatic cat door that is motion-activated and will only allow your pet access when they are nearby.
This is a great way to prevent any unwanted guests from entering your home while still giving your cat the freedom they need. Additionally, you can try using window screens or other solutions like air curtains that will keep bugs out of your house while allowing your pet to come and go as they, please.
By considering all of these factors, you can easily find a cat door cover that is both functional and stylish. Make sure to measure carefully before purchasing, and consider installing an actual cover for added security and convenience. Hopefully, this will help keep your pet safe in their environment while still allowing them the freedom to come and go as they, please.
Common Mistakes in Covering a Cat Door
1. Not measuring the size of the cat door. It is important to measure the size of the cat door accurately since a cover that does not fit properly might lead to leakage through some parts of the door and disrupt your home’s insulation.
2. Choosing an inappropriate material for covering a cat door. Plastic, metal, wood, or glass materials are not suitable for covering a cat door. Instead, choose an insulating material such as thick foam to make sure that the cover is airtight and energy efficient.
3. Not attaching the cover properly. Cat door covers should be firmly secured with screws or strong adhesive strips to ensure they stay in place when used often by the cats.
4. Not adding a layer of insulation around the cat door. Adding layers of insulating material such as wool or cotton fabrics around the cat door can help to enhance the energy efficiency of your home and prevent drafts from entering.
5. Not installing a weather strip on the cat door cover. A weather strip is an essential component when it comes to covering a cat door. It prevents the cover from rubbing and shifting with use, allowing it to remain securely in place for longer periods of time.
6. Not using a pet flap or pet gate when covering a cat door. Pet flaps and pet gates can help restrict access to certain areas of your home and provide an extra layer of security to keep your cats safe. Additionally, they can help control the temperature and reduce energy costs.
Avoiding these mistakes when covering a cat door can help ensure an effective and energy-efficient solution for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Material Should I Use to Cover a Cat Door?
The best materials for covering a cat door are thick cardboard, vinyl-coated fabric, wood, or metal. For extra protection of your home or apartment, choose thicker materials such as plywood or sheet metal. Be sure to measure the size and shape of the cat door before buying materials.
Can I Use Duct Tape to Cover a Cat Door?
While duct tape may be a quick and easy solution for covering a cat door in an emergency, it is not recommended as it will eventually start to peel away from the surface. It is better to use a more permanent material like cardboard, vinyl-coated fabric, wood, or metal.
Is it Cruel to Cover a Cat Door?
Covering a cat door can be a humane solution if it is done for the safety and well-being of your pet. For example, keeping an indoor-only cat from wandering out into dangerous outdoor environments or blocking access to areas in your home that are off limits. As long as the cat can come and go safely in other parts of the house, covering their door should not be an issue.
Conclusion
With the above outlined you can easily learn how to cover a cat door safely and effectively without causing stress or discomfort for your pet. Pick the right material, measure carefully, and follow these steps to give your cat a safe place to come and go inside your home. With the right materials and some patience, you can easily create a secure barrier that will keep your pet safe from potential danger.
