Installing a cat flap in a glass door might seem like a straightforward job, but it requires specialist skills and equipment to do it safely and properly. Whether you're making life easier for your pet or adding a practical feature to your home, it’s important to know what the process involves. At Hunters Glass, we offer professional cat flap installation across glass doors, with services available in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Sheffield and beyond.
What’s Involved When Fitting a Cat Flap in a Glass Door?
Fitting a cat flap into a glass door isn’t something to attempt without professional help. It requires precision glazing techniques, especially when working with toughened or double-glazed units. Here’s what to expect when booking a cat flap installation:
Once you’ve contacted a qualified glazier, the process typically involves a site visit to assess the door and take accurate measurements. If your glass panel is not suitable for cutting (e.g. it’s toughened or laminated), a new glazed unit with a pre-cut hole will need to be manufactured. This is essential for safety and compliance with glazing standards.
After the custom glass unit is ready, it is professionally installed and sealed. Then, the cat flap itself, usually supplied by the homeowner or chosen in advance—is fitted into the opening using manufacturer-approved techniques to ensure a secure, draught-free finish.
What to consider before installing a cat flap
Type of Glass
Most exterior doors have toughened or double-glazed units which cannot be cut once manufactured. A new glass panel with a factory-cut opening is the safest and most efficient solution.
Type of Cat Flap
You can choose between manual, magnetic, or microchip cat flaps. Microchip options are ideal for keeping out stray animals, as they only open for registered pets.
Location and Height
Your glazier will help determine the ideal positioning for the cat flap based on your pet’s size and the layout of the door. This ensures easy access and minimal disruption to the integrity of the door.
Thermal Efficiency
When installing into double glazing, the replacement unit must maintain thermal performance and airtightness. A properly fitted flap should not cause drafts or compromise insulation.
How Long Does the Process Take?
- Initial Consultation & Measurement: Usually completed in one visit
- Manufacturing the New Glass Unit: Typically 5–10 working days, depending on the glass type
- Installation: Once the new panel is ready, installation of both the glass and the cat flap can be done in under an hour
Throughout the process, your glazier will ensure the work meets building and safety regulations, giving you peace of mind that both your door and the new cat flap are fit for purpose.
Why Use a Professional Glazier?
Glass cutting and replacement is a specialised task. At Hunters Glass, our experienced glaziers operate across Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Sheffield, offering expert installation with minimal disruption to your home. Whether you're looking for cat flap fitting or emergency glazing support, we provide:
- Safe and compliant installation techniques
- Custom glass fabrication for double-glazed doors
- Quick turnaround times
- A clean and professional finish
We also offer emergency boarding-up services and glazing repairs, should your glass panel become damaged before or after fitting.
Looking to Install a Cat Flap in Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham or Sheffield?
Hunters Glass Ltd provides professional cat flap fitting for glass doors across all major cities, including Leeds, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Our qualified glaziers ensure a precise and secure installation, using made-to-measure glass where needed.
Call us today or visit our contact page to get a quote or schedule a site visit.
