INSTALLATION

1. What measurements do I need to know before I install my Retract-A-Gate?
   Show Answer
   We offer two Retract-A-Gate models which fit openings UP TO a maximum of 52 or 72 inches. These maximums include the total distance (gate and brackets) that the cat gate can cover. The height of the mesh on the retractable safety gate is 34 inches and the total height to the top of the lock is just under 38 inches. The wall brackets are 2.5 inches wide, mount at about 3 and 31 inches off the floor, and require about 2.5 inches of flat surface to attach to. There is some leeway to the height for where the brackets are mounted, especially on the reel side that holds the cat gate. When completely retracted, Retract-A-Gate is less than 4 inches wide.
   
   When Retract-A-Gate is mounted in a doorway, most doors will still be able to close with the mounting hardware and retractable safety gate in place. If you don’t have the 2.5 inches necessary to mount your cat gate in the doorway, the brackets can also mount around the corner of the doorway, either on the door molding or on the wall. When installed around the corner of the doorway, this may require the gate to open beyond its maximum. If so, the brackets must be mounted within the opening to allow for maximum coverage.
   
   If there are baseboards in the area where you will be installing your Retract-A-Gate, you might need wall spacers. For more information on wall spacers, see FAQ #4 below.
   
   
2. What accessories do I need for installing my cat gate?
   Show Answer
   For a normal doorway, hallway or walk-way installation (no stairs or baseboard interference), with the bracket screws drilled into a solid wall, no other accessories should be needed. To mount Retract-A-Gate to your front or back door, you will need our Pet Barrier Door Screw Kit. Please visit our “Prices/Buy” page which lists all the retractable safety gates and accessory items that we offer. In the description of each item is a link to help you determine if you need that safety gate accessory. To go to our "Prices/Buy" page, click here.
   
   
3. Can Retract-A-Gate be installed at the top and bottom of the stairs?
   How many Banister Adapter Kits will I need?
   
   Show Answer
   Hide Answer
   Retract-A-Gate is certified for use at the top and bottom of the stairs, has been tested for that application, and can withstand a push out force of up to 200 pounds.
   
   When attaching to the banister post Show Answer

   While you can screw the wall brackets directly onto your baluster or newel post (stair post) if you want, using a Banister Adapter Kit saves you from drilling holes into your stair post. The brackets that come with each cat gate screw into the Banister Adapter, then that assembly ties to your stair post using the straps provided with the kit. The Banister Adapter straps can accommodate up to 6 inch square posts.
   
   Our Banister Adapters are designed to also work with iron spindles. For thick iron spindles the adapter would fit against the metal, or if the spindle is small (about 1 inch), it fits into the gap between the two sides of the adapter.
   

   
   
   When installing at the top of stairs Show Answer

   We recommend that you mount the retractable safety gate a minimum of 6 inches back from the edge of the top step; being close to an edge can create a gap. If this is a problem for you, Retract-A-Gate is very unique in that it can be installed diagonally, at any angle, which can help achieve the 6 inch requirement by angling it away from the stairs (see FAQ #7). Another option would be to block off near-by areas which still restrict access to the stairs.
   

   
   
   When installing at the bottom of stairs Show Answer

   For the bottom of the stairs, if a child may be in the area, we recommend mounting the Retract-A-Gate on the floor and not up on a step. If the safety gate was mounted up on a step a child would have farther to fall if they stepped up and then fell backwards.
   
   The mesh of the retractable safety gate is flexible and could conform around curved bottom stairs. This type of installation may cause part of the mesh to be looser than the rest because it is intended to be pulled in a straight line. Depending on your application this may or may not be acceptable.
   

   
   
   How many do I need? Show Answer

   If you are going to attach both sides of your cat gate to stair posts, then you will need two Banister Adapter Kits. Only one Banister Adapter Kit would be required if you have a wall on one side of your staircase that you will be attaching to.

   
   
   Which size do I need? Show Answer

   We offer two lengths of Banister Adapters: 36 inch or 48 inch. The 36 inch adapter will work for most installations and the 48 inch adapter is for taller posts. For example, some posts have flat or rounded areas at the top and bottom and then are narrow in the middle. The adapter is designed to span over this narrow area to provide a level surface for the brackets. If the distance from the floor to the upper round or flat area of the post that the adapter must reach is more than 36 inches you will need the 48 inch adapter. The adapter may be cut shorter (using any type of saw) to avoid standing taller than your stair post. The adapter cannot be cut any shorter than 32 inches.

   
   
   More detailed information
   For full installation instructions, click here (opens a new window).
   
   
4. Do I need one or two Wall Spacer Sets if I have a baseboard?
   Show Answer
   Each Wall Spacer Set contains two 5/8 inch unfinished wood wall spacers. Retract-A-Gate must be mounted so that the horizontal distance between the two upper brackets and the horizontal distance between the two lower brackets is exactly the same. If the horizontal distance between the brackets is different, the mesh will not fit tight on either the top or bottom of the cat gate. This will cause the retractable cat gate to be more difficult to hook and unhook from the brackets.
   
   Baseboards taller than 4 inches Show Answer

   If Retract-A-Gate is mounted where there is a baseboard that is 4 inches tall or more, one wall spacer should go under the upper bracket while the lower bracket can be mounted directly on the baseboard. If you have the same baseboard on both sides of your opening you will need only one set of spacers – one spacer under each of the two upper brackets.

   
   
   Baseboards under 4 inches tall Show Answer

   If the baseboard is less than 4 inches tall, the lower bracket should be mounted immediately above the baseboard with a spacer. The upper bracket must also be mounted using a spacer. This avoids any interference between the bottom of the retractable cat gate and the baseboard. If the spacers were not used in this scenario, the brackets would be too close to the wall and opening/closing the Retract-A-Gate would be difficult. If you have the same baseboard on both sides of your opening you will need two sets of spacers – one spacer under each of the four wall brackets.

   
   
   NOTE: The thickness of the spacers must match the thickness of your baseboard
   
   Baseboards not 5/8 inch thick Show Answer

   If your baseboard is not 5/8 inch thick, you will need to use spacers that are the same thickness as the baseboard. We recommend having the screw attach into a minimum of 1 inch of solid wood or comparable material. Add the spacer thickness + drywall thickness + 1 inch into the wood to get the total screw length you will need. Our screws are 2 inches long. If you need a longer screw, take the screws that come with the bracket kit to any hardware store to get the same exact kind (#6 flat head), just longer.

   
   
   Be sure that the horizontal distance between upper and lower brackets is identical. This ensures that the retractable safety gate is square across the opening and will work optimally
   
   
5. Do I need Drywall Anchors to install my retractable gate?
   Show Answer
   When mounting Retract-A-Gate to drywall we recommend attaching the brackets to a wall stud behind the drywall whenever possible; that will provide the best holding power for your wall brackets. Each bracket has two screws which are spaced about two inches apart (a normal wall stud is 1.5 inches). For most door frames and molding there is ample space and solid wood to attach to. Additionally, wherever a wall has a corner, wall studs are typically doubled up giving you plenty of space to attach the brackets, so drywall anchors are not needed.
   
   For areas of a wall that are not at a corner and have a single wall stud, you will need to use a special heavy duty Drywall Anchor for one of the screws. Each Drywall Anchor Kit comes with two Drywall Anchors; if all the brackets will only attach to drywall or plaster with no wall studs, then four Drywall Anchor Kits would be the most you would need. Our Drywall Anchors are for use on 3/8 to 5/8 inch thick wallboard. Drywall Anchor Kits can be purchased here. Please refer to our “How to Use” page for installation instructions. To go to the "How to Use" page, click here.
   
   
6. Do I need the Additional Wall Bracket Kit to relocate my Retract-A-Gate?
   Show Answer
   Each Retract-A-Gate comes with one retractable safety gate plus a Wall Bracket Kit which includes four clear mounting brackets and the hardware necessary for one installation. The clear mounting brackets of the Wall Bracket Kit are the universal mounting brackets which allow you to mount the cat gate within a doorway, around a doorway on the wall, to a baluster or banister post, as well as most other installations.
   
   Additional Wall Brackets make it “a snap" to move your retractable cat gate from one location to another. If you only need to block off one area at a time and would like to quickly move Retract-A-Gate from one area to another, the Additional Wall Bracket Kit will allow you to do that without purchasing another safety gate. Retract-A-Gate can be easily unsnapped from the brackets and moved in seconds to the other area.
   
   The material used for the brackets has been formulated to be tough and durable and is the same type of material used in bullet-proof glass. In fact, we believe them to be so tough that if they fail for ANY reason during the one year warranty period, we will provide a replacement bracket for no charge.
   
   
7. Do I need the Pet Barrier Door Screw Kit?
   Show Answer
   The Pet Barrier Door Screw Kit turns your Retract-A-Gate into a retractable door gate to keep your cat(s) from running outside when you open your door. When mounted on a door, Retract-A-Gate will open as the door is opened providing a barrier across the opening created by the opened door; 100% hands free! Simply mount two of the universal brackets that come with your cat gate on or next to the door jamb and mount the other two brackets directly onto your door. The screws in the Pet Barrier Door Screw Kit are sized so they will work with most standard doors. Retract-A-Gate is the only retractable safety gate that can be mounted to your door as a door cat gate and is also certified for use at the top and bottom of stairs – when it comes to versatility Retract-A-Gate can’t be beat.
   
   
8. Can the Retract-A-Gate cat gate be installed diagonally?
   Show Answer
   Absolutely! A nice advantage of Retract-A-Gate is that it can be installed on a diagonal and work at pretty much any angle, opening up numerous mounting options. This is just one of the many great retractable cat gate features which few if any other cat safety gates on the market have.
   
   You can also diagonally attach Retract-A-Gate to a wall farther away from the top of the stairs in order to help keep it back the recommended 6 inches. For the best security with an angled installation the openings of the brackets should face away from the Retract-A-Gate.
   
   
9. Can I install the gate to a bookcase or cabinet under a countertop?
   Show Answer
   You can mount the brackets to a bookcase only if the bookcase is stable (wall-mounted). You may need to put a backer board on the inside wall of the bookcase (or cabinet) if the wall is thin so that the screws have a minimum of 1 inch of solid wood to bite into.
   
   If you wish to mount the retractable cat gate to a cabinet where there is a small counter top overhang, the wall spacers can be used under both the top and bottom brackets. The spacers should move the cat gate out away from the counter's edge to provide enough clearance to mount the safety gate.
   
   
10. Can I install the gate into brick, stone, concrete, or mortar?
    Show Answer
    Yes; you will need appropriate masonry anchors which you can purchase at any hardware store. Simply take the screws that come with the Retract-A-Gate to the store and have them size an appropriate masonry anchor for you. The screws we provide are 2" long. If you need to use shorter screws be sure to use #6 flat head screws and use the included finishing washers. Another option would be to fasten a board to the brick/stone/concrete/mortar using similar anchors and then attach the brackets to the board.
    
    
11. Our boat is made of fiberglass; can we install the safety gate into that?
    Show Answer
    Yes; although we always recommend mounting the brackets to the support/stud behind the fiberglass as that will provide the best holding power. If there is no support then you need to use appropriate anchors that work with your fiberglass.
    
    
12. Can I install the Retract-A-Gate into the vinyl siding on my house?
    Show Answer
    You can attach the retractable cat gate wall brackets to the house siding as long as there is solid wood sheeting/boards underneath the siding (this is normally the case).
    
    
13. Will my cat be able to squeeze under the gate?
    Show Answer
    Retract-A-Gate has been used with lots of cats and has performed well. When installed properly, there will be some amount of give to the mesh material due to the fact that it needs to be flexible in order to retract. Therefore, it will be rare, but not impossible, for cats to get under. If installed incorrectly, there may be too much flexibility.
    
    By following these guidelines, you can minimize any issues:
    Show Guidelines

    
    1.  Make sure to always lock the retractable safety gate by pushing and turning the lock. This
         will keep the mesh taut and help prevent your pet from pushing the mesh out.
    
    2.  Be sure the base of the cat gate is sitting on the floor and is not mounted up off the floor at all.
         When in use there should be no more than about 1/4" gap between the bottom of the mesh
         and the floor.
    
    3.  If you have the retractable safety gate mounted near a step, make sure the mesh is at least
         six inches back from the edge of the step. Being close to an edge can create a gap that cats may
         be able to push through.
    
    4.  When the mesh is extended and locked, both the top and bottom should be tight with no slack.
         If there is slack in the bottom, it probably means the bottom brackets are spaced too close to
         each other (compared to the upper brackets). Adjust the brackets so the distance between
         them across the opening is identical.
    
    5.  To apply a slight amount of additional tension before locking the mesh in place, tighten the roll
         of fabric (no more than an 1/8 of a turn), then lock the gate.
    
    
14. Will my cat be able to jump or climb over the Retract-A-Gate cat gate?
    Show Answer
    With a mesh height of 34 inches, Retract-A-Gate is one of the tallest retractable gates available. When locked, the mesh is held taut, so it is difficult to push down. Retract-A-Gate’s tightly woven mesh fabric would be difficult for a cat to climb over. Most cats are inclined not to jump up and over things; they want a flat surface to land on first before they jump back down. Since the retractable pet gate doesn’t offer a "ledge" for them to jump up to, most cats will not jump over the pet gate. If your cat loves to jump and can jump over a three foot fence or safety gate, you will need a taller cat gate.
    
    
15. Do you offer a retractable cat gate which opens wider than 72 inches?
    Could you make a custom one?
    
    Show Answer
    Hide Answer
    

    At the present time we only offer two standard sized retractable cat gates which fit openings up to 52 and 72 inches. Some customers have hooked two Retract-A-Gates together using two S-hooks in order to cover up to 104”/144”. Each retractable safety gate mounts to either side of the opening, then the handle rods hook together in the middle with the S-hooks. One S-hook would be used in the top cutouts and one S-hook would be used in the bottom cutouts. This solution is really for special situations such as low traffic areas, non-critical applications or where only a visual barrier is all that is needed. Retract-A-Gate is very easy to operate with one hand; however, when using two Retract-A-Gates together you would need two hands and the process will be slower. The double gate option has not been tested or certified for use with children, its just a special option for certain non-critical applications.  The only other option to allow the safety gate to span a wider distance would be to put up a partition to close the gap and then attach Retract-A-Gate to that. You could then paint or stain the structure to match the surroundings.

    This use of Retract-A-Gate is for special circumstances only.

    If you decide to purchase two Retract-A-Gates to cover an opening wider than 72 inches, a set of S-hooks is available for purchase on the "Prices/Buy" page for only $2.00.

    
    
    
16. How does Retract-A-Gate work?
    Show Answer
    After installing the Retract-A-Gate wall brackets, simply attach the retractable cat gate to either side of the doorway by fully snapping the safety gate into both brackets. Retract-A-Gate has a secure lock on it, so once you pull the mesh across and hook it in place, you then lock the retractable safety gate. The lock is a double acting (and very secure but simple) push and then turn mechanism. This keeps the cat gate from being pulled out or pushed down.
    
    When you want to retract the cat gate, simply unlock and then unhook the handle rod from the brackets. Retract-A-Gate uses an internal spring to automatically rewind the mesh, no manual winding is required. The mesh can only rewind when the lock has been moved to the open position; preventing any inadvertent retracting of the mesh. The action of the Retract-A-Gate as it retracts is smooth, steady, and quiet. Once it is fully retracted, the mesh and handle are neatly contained. Retract-A-Gate is the ONLY retractable cat gate which retracts easily, quietly, and automatically.
    
    The opening and closing process is very simple, can be done with one hand, and only takes a few seconds to do. We went to great lengths to engineer and design Retract-A-Gate for safety AND convenience and are confident that you will be satisfied. Please refer to our “How to Use” page for installation instructions. To go to our "How to Use" page, click here.
    
    

MICELLANEOUS

1. How is Retract-A-Gate different than other cat safety gates?
   Show Answer
   Retract-A-Gate is priced very competitively and offers the most value of any safety gate in its class. No other cat gate is as easy to use while effectively keeping your cat contained.
   
   Compared to other retractable cat gates on the market, Retract-A-Gate is the only retractable safety gate which offers the best combination of safety, ease-of-use, and ease-of-installation. Retract-A-Gate can truly be operated with one hand, offers a smooth, quiet operation, and can be used in multiple locations using an Additional Wall Bracket Kit. Retract-A-Gate is unique in that its operation is quiet; you don't need to worry about scaring your cat or being annoyed by a noisy cat gate. Features like our clear mounting wall brackets, tough mesh, and childproof (yet easy to use and secure) lock, set Retract-A-Gate apart as the only retractable cat gate to offer a great balance of usability and durability.
   
   Retract-A-Gate is also one of the tallest cat gates available. The extra height presents a challenge to most cats and deters them from trying to jump over the retractable cat gate.
   
   Retract-A-Gate can accommodate larger openings (up to 72 inches), is designed to work both indoors and outdoors, and is engineered for children AND pets. Retract-A-Gate offers the most durable mesh on the market and has been tested to stand up to extended use by both cats and cats. Another benefit is that Retract-A-Gate is less likely to injure a child or pet if they fall into the mesh compared to a metal or wood safety gate.
   
   Retract-A-Gate is the ONLY retractable safety gate which holds a U.S. Patent and is 100% manufactured in the U.S.A.
   
   The Pet Barrier Door Screw Kit enables you to use your Retract-A-Gate as a retractable door gate to keep your cats from running outside when the front or back door is opened. Retract-A-Gate is the only retractable safety gate that can be used on your door as a door barrier and is also certified for use at the top and bottom of stairs.
   
   Additionally, Retract-A-Gate is the only cat gate to offer clear mounting brackets (the same type of material used in bullet-proof glass) which are virtually invisible. Retract-A-Gate offers a superior balance of ease-of-use, functionality, and style than any other retractable gate on the market.
   
   
2. Can the gate be used outdoors?
   
   Show Answer
   Hide Answer
   Absolutely! Retract-A-Gate has been extensively tested in wet rainy seasons and hot dry summers. We have also tested the retractable cat gate outside during a full northern winter with flawless results. With that said, we do recommend you bring the Retract-A-Gate inside during freezing temperatures (simply unsnap the safety gate from the brackets). Anything, including Retract-A-Gate, which is left outside will have a reduced life compared to only indoor use; but you can feel confident that the retractable safety gate will stand up well to outdoor use. One thing to be aware of is that some fading or degradation due to extended sun exposure is possible. Because of this, we recommend bringing the Retract-A-Gate indoors when not in use.
   
   Installing on a Trex deck? Show Answer

   If installing outside to a Trex deck, the posts will normally have a 4x4 wooden post inside them. In this application we would recommend pre-drilling your holes and using stainless steel screws the same size as the ones we provide (#6 flat head). Stainless steel will hold up much better when in contact with the treated wood posts that are normally on the inside of the Trex.

   
   
   You can also attach the wall brackets to your house siding as long as there is solid wood underneath.
   
   
3. How do I clean the Retract-A-Gate cat gate?
   Show Answer
   Retract-A-Gate can be cleaned with mild soap and water as needed. For stubborn stains rubbing alcohol can be used to clean your retractable safety gate.
   
   
4. What is the mesh fabric of the cat gate made of and how durable is it?
   Can I get a sample of the mesh?
   Show Answer
   The mesh fabric used for Retract-A-Gate is a tough, non-toxic, reinforced polymer composite. Our material does not contain Lead, Phthalate, Latex or BPA chemicals and is formaldehyde free. We're proud to say that we are far ahead of the curve when it comes to eliminating those chemicals. The mesh is very durable, yet still allows you to clearly see through it. The retractable safety gate mesh material is UV, mildew, and scratch and claw resistant and has been tested for pets with great results. In other applications this same mesh is used for truck tarps to hold down cargo.
   
   As tough as the mesh is, it will not have a long life if used for cats with behavioral problems or ones which scratch or chew at the pet gate. For cats with these issues, we recommend you use a solid steel cat gate. As with any new cat, training is an important part of their care. cats should be trained to respect items within your home, including new things such as pet gates brought into their environment. Even well behaved cats can sometimes act unexpectedly, but training should avoid most problems with the retractable cat gate.
   
   If you suspect your cat may not respect the gate or cause damage to it, please contact us. We may have some simple solutions for you to make Retract-A-Gate a success in your home.
   
   Would you like a sample? Show How

   If you would like a sample of the mesh, be sure to include your name and mailing address and we will be happy to send you a small fabric sample of both the White and the Café Retract-A-Gate mesh. Just e-mail our customer service at: .
   
   
5. Can I purchase the extra mesh fabric that you use for the retractable safety gate?
   Show Answer
   Yes; we do offer the fabric in bulk quantities of both the Café color and the White. Our standard size would be 34" tall by whatever footage you need. Our minimum quantity is 5 feet and the price is $5/ft. The mesh has 1" hems on both sides (just like the Retract-A-Gate). If you wish to place an order for extra mesh fabric, go to our 'Prices/Buy' page by clicking here.
   
   
6. Can I buy additional attachment straps for the Banister Adapter Kit?
   Show Answer
   Yes; we offer the straps in bundles of 10 for just a flat $10. If you wish to order additional attachment straps, visit our 'Prices/Buy' page by clicking here.
   
   
7. Is there a discount if I order multiple gates?
   Show Answer
   If you would like to purchase multiple gates, we do offer great savings through the Combo Case which is available on our “Prices/Buy” page. The Combo Case contains 3 of each type of gate available for a total of 12 gates. A great advantage of this promotion is that you would save over $300 compared to purchasing the gates individually. Also, there is FREE shipping within the continental U.S.
   
   A way to receive an even greater discount on multiple gates would be purchasing with our wholesale pricing. Wholesale pricing is available to anyone purchasing a case of 12 gates all the same size and color. If you are interested in the wholesale pricing and would like to know more, email our customer service at: .
   
   

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