If you have a cat that loves going outside, a cat flap can make life much easier for both you and your pet.
But what happens if you have a modern home with double glazed windows or doors?
Many homeowners ask whether it is possible to fit a cat flap into double glazing without damaging the existing door or window.
The answer is yes, but it needs to be approached correctly.
Can a cat flap be fitted into double glazing?
A cat flap cannot simply be cut into an existing sealed double glazed unit in the same way that you might cut a hole into a standard piece of glass.
Double glazed units are manufactured as sealed units with two panes of glass and a spacer between them.
Instead, the appropriate approach is generally to have a new glass unit manufactured with the required opening and then have it professionally installed.
This allows the glazing to be designed around the cat flap rather than attempting to modify the existing sealed unit.
Can you fit a cat flap into a uPVC door?
Yes, depending on the design of the door.
If the door contains a glazed panel, a replacement glass unit can potentially be manufactured to accommodate the cat flap.
The existing glass is removed and replaced with the correctly specified unit.
The exact process will depend on the door, the existing glazing and the type of cat flap you want to install.
Can a cat flap go into a patio door?
Potentially, yes.
Patio doors often contain large glazed panels, making them a popular location for pet access.
However, large areas of glazing require careful measurement and the correct glass specification.
Rather than attempting to cut the existing glass, a suitable replacement unit can be made to accommodate the cat flap.
What type of glass is used?
The correct type of glass depends on the individual installation.
Some locations require safety glazing, particularly where glass is positioned in or near doors and areas where people could come into contact with it.
Your glazing professional can assess the installation and advise on the appropriate glass specification.
This is important because the cat flap opening needs to be incorporated into a suitable glass unit rather than simply modifying the existing pane.
What are the benefits of a cat flap?
For many homeowners, the biggest benefit is convenience.
Instead of opening the door every time your cat wants to go outside, your pet can come and go independently.
A cat flap can also be particularly useful if you work long hours or are not always at home.
Depending on the cat flap you choose, there are also options designed to control which animals can enter your home.
Does installing a cat flap mean replacing the whole door?
Not necessarily.
If the door itself is in good condition and the issue is simply the existing glazed panel, it may be possible to replace the glass rather than the complete door.
This can be a more practical option for homeowners who are happy with their existing door.
The glazing can be made to the required measurements with the cat flap incorporated into the design.
What about a cat flap in a window?
It may also be possible to install a cat flap into a suitable glazed window.
Again, the existing glass would normally need to be replaced with a new unit manufactured to accommodate the cat flap.
The suitability will depend on the window design, location, glass specification and size of the opening required.
Should you install a cat flap yourself?
It is important to be careful when dealing with double glazing.
Attempting to cut or drill a sealed double glazed unit can damage the glass and compromise the sealed construction.
There are also safety considerations when dealing with glazing in doors and windows.
Using a professional glazing company means the existing glass can be assessed and the replacement unit specified correctly.
Professional cat flap glazing in Essex
LN Glazing provides professional glazing solutions for homeowners looking to install cat flaps into suitable glazed doors and windows.
We cover residential properties across Essex, London and Hertfordshire, including areas from Cheshunt to Basildon, Enfield to Purfleet, Harlow and Chelmsford.
If you’re considering a cat flap for your home, get in touch with LN Glazing to discuss your requirements.
We can help you understand whether your existing glazing can be replaced with a suitable unit designed around your chosen cat flap.
