MrsP1Fanatic

No this isn't about something rude - I just wanted to ask if anyone has a cat flap on this forum?

Me and MrP1 have just got 2 Kittens.

We were wondering about Catflaps;

1 - Are they easy to fit?
2 - Does that put your House Insurance up?
3 - Can anyone actually break in through them?

Not sure I could fit one so might have to get help as Im *uhum* Female!

Any thoughts?

Bex

ALi-B

iTrader: (1)

Your neighbours may not like it

MrsP1Fanatic

We are Semi-Detached so it won't cause any problems

Silvafox

iTrader: (1)

1) Dead easy to fit. Cut a square hole and two screws.
2) Not as far as I know, could be wrong though.
3) Maybe Eugine Victor Tooms could.......Seriously, doubt it, just don't leave keys in the other side of the door (coathangers to lift keys off etc).

Also, if they're kittens then you need to leave them in for a few weeks anyway as I'm sure you know!

tiggers

Bex,

A lot depends on the doors you have to fit them into. UPVC or wood paneled doors are easier than solid hardwood or steel doors (err... obviously)

If you have a standard door with a bottom panel made of UPVC or timber or a Georgian glass door (lots of small panes) then fitting one should be reasonably easy (or reasonably cheap if you need to get a local handyman to do it.)

There are now all different types of catflap of differing sizes and deisgns. The electronic ones that only open for your cats (they have a sensor on their collar) are a great idea as they prevent your house filling up with the neighbourhood moggies.

One word of warning though - some cats will refuse to use them. A mate of mine put a catflap in 12 months ago and to this day his cat refuses to use it unaided.

BTW it is unlikely that anyone could break in via a catflap or that it would affect your house insurance (a simple call to them might be wise just to check of course).

regards,

tiggers.

ajm

Ok, firstly some helpful answers... (to justify my 2p's worth below )

1) Relatively easy depending on the door. You will obviously need to cut a hole in the door, which can be tricky with some materials.

2) I have never heard of cat flaps being declarable on insurance, so I doubt it would affect your premiums... as far as I know!

3) It is possible to break into them depending on the location of the flap and the locks on the door. For example, if the door is on a latch they may be able to hook the latch from the cat flap. However, if the door has chubb locks then this would not be possible.

My 2p's worth:-

Please bring up your kittens to be house cats and don't let them roam wild. British songbirds, small mammals and your neighbours would be very grateful!

MrsP1Fanatic

Coolio - We need to keep them in till they have both been spayed anyway so its a future project.

I like the idea of those Magnetic/Electronic Doors but have you seen the collar they have to wear to activate it?! IT'S HUGE!

Plus they are about £49.99 for the Catflap and £12.99 for each collar!

Yeah I think maybe get to the stage where they are already going out and have been spayed then see if they will actually use it!

Thanks Guys - Bex

*Sonic*

Yep the rabbits, mice, rats, fish & frogs, would be much better off

I have a cat flap, and my cat uses it religously, she wont even come through theopen door anymore

it isnt a big cat flap, but she has managed to drag the odd rabbit the same size as herself through there no problem

But burglars no P

MrsP1Fanatic

Yeah I can just see my girls sat outside tapping on the window asking to come in!

In regards to Birds (Esp Pigeons), Insects, Frogs etc, that IS what cats do. I cant stop my cat from going outside just so that a few animals would be saved! My aunt keeps her two indoors and they are the most arrogant cats I know!

Nope, I think our 2 will be as free as they want as long as we dont get blood or scratch marks on our new Leather Sofa!

Bex

ajm

lol! Obviously its unlikely the burglar will come THROUGH the cat flap! The things to watch out for are:

1) Can someone get to the locks of the door by reaching through, or using wire etc?
2) If they can reach then would they be able to open the door?
3) Can they reach things like car keys or house keys by fishing around through the cat flap?



Yes, it's what they do... when you release them into an environment where non-indigenous predators do not belong!

Bitten/scratched animals bleed - that IS what they do!

Stueyb

I will warn you now, randy toms can get in by using brute force. It happened to us and we came down to a hissy claws out ten tonne (seemed like at the time) black male cat. It was scary lol. Problem was it was unable to get out due to the way it smashed open the catflap

MrsP1Fanatic

I don't mean the Cats - I meant the things they wanna bring in!

My first cat was taught by me 7 years ago and hasn't EVER brought anything in - he tends to play with it and show it off but never brings it near me!

Bex

ajm

That's what I meant! Half dead animals tend to bleed - to coin a cat owners phrase "its what they do"

i.e. If you are prepared to accept your cats killing local wildlife then you must also be prepared to accept the consequences that come with that, i.e. half dead bleeding animals on your sofa!

deano

Don't install a catflap without planning permission. You have been warned.

MrsP1Fanatic

Ok Since when did the title on this Thread read "Everyone's Opinion on un-house bound cats"?

In the 7 years Ive had my older cat - we have had more dead birds etc from Flying into Windows, getting hit by cars or just dying! Is that wrong of me aswell?

trails

iTrader: (41)

funniest post I have yet to read, what does a cat do...what is its primary function and why were they introduced (and originally domesticated)? Mmmmm wouldn't be to slay vermin would it, cats are predators and any attempt to stop that would be cruel.

My cats both go out and still shred my leather sofas, so best of luck Bex!

Diablo

Offending posts deleted (and will continue to be)

jgc

MrsP1Fanatic,

You are feeding the Troll, try to resist the urge and seek the information you require from your original request.

tiggers

Bex,

This is just one of the pet (no pun intended) subjects of the Scoobynet NSR Mafia. You really have two choices.

1) Continue and get embroiled in a long rambling repetitve argument that is ultimately pointless as you are entitled to let your cats out regardless of the opinion of a couple of NSR posters.

2) Ignore them and leave the thread be as you have the answers you want and is it really worth getting worked up over people that for the main just want to start yet another fight over cats in NSR.

Best regards,

tiggers.

Diablo

Oi Tiggers, I'm doing my best here mate

tiggers

I know mate, sorry, I started typing before you arrived. Trying to work in the middle of posting doesn't really work does it? Feel free to remove/edit my post if it is only going to make things worse.

Regards,

tiggers.

EddScott

I'm just about to fit a cat flap myself actually. Ours is about old enough to go out just after her last lot of jabs. Our back door is UPVC so doesn't look too taxing.

What I would say is put the flap opposite to the handle. A friend has a flap under the handle and I can reach up, turn the keys and open the door.

Cats rule!!

MrsP1Fanatic

Thanks Trails & Tiggers

I totally intend to leave this thread - Thanks to those who actually helped answer my original question.

You are right - it's totally up to me and what I want to do - my girls will be going out whenever they like when they r old enough.

Maybe you lot need locking up in your Houses and see what it's like!

Pah you make me laugh - THERE IS MORE TO LIFE!

And yes - b4 you ask, I am an Animal Lover

trails

iTrader: (41)

Whats that then...forgive the ignorance, I'm kinda new to this!

OllyK

OllyK

Do a search on "cat" - there are some looooooog threads on here about them

Shark Man

Can no one voice an opinion these days?

Since when MANY many people have to suffer from cat owners ignorant/naive knowledge that roaming cats do cause many other people problems.

People here are voicing that problem, because they have to put up with it.

Many consider it trivial, however the only housepets that has no real law regarding owner responsibilty are cats. Thus the amount of tension "cat" threads bring up.
If this is considered offending, then this may as well be a communism forum!

Diablo

Shark Man

There is a huge history to the cat hating on s'net.