Posted March 28, 2025
If you’re a cat owner in Christchurch, you know the drill – the endless meowing at the door, the scratching to be let out, and the guilt when you’re too busy to open up. A cat door gives your furry mate the freedom they crave, while making life a whole lot easier for you.
Here’s everything you need to know about installing a cat door in your glass door – the benefits, the process, and why getting a pro to do it is the best move.
Installing a cat door is a great way to improve your quality of life and the quality of life for your cat. Ever been woken up at 3 AM by your cat demanding to go outside? With a cat door, you can say goodbye to the constant in-and-out routine and let your pet come and go as they please.
No more claw marks on your doors or window sills. Cats love their independence, and if they can’t get out when they want, they’ll find a way – often at the expense of your home’s interior.
A cat that can explore outside safely is a happier, more active cat. They get fresh air, exercise, and mental stimulation, reducing boredom and behavioural issues.
If you’ve got a wooden door, you could DIY the job. But for glass doors, it’s a different story. Tempered or double-glazed glass requires professional handling – it’s not something you can just cut a hole in yourself.
If you’re renting, always check with your landlord first. Some Christchurch apartment buildings or townhouses may also have body corporate rules about modifying doors or windows.
Not all cat doors are the same! Here are some options:
Basic flap doors – Simple, does the job.
Lockable cat doors – Gives you control over when your cat can come and go.
Microchip-activated doors – Stops other neighbourhood cats from sneaking in! Some fancy new models can even use Ai to stop your cat from bringing prey into your home.
Most glass doors in Christchurch are double-glazed or tempered, which means they need to be cut professionally or replaced with a pre-cut panel.
Measure your cat from the ground to their belly.
Mark the door position at a comfortable height.
Since tempered glass can’t be cut, a professional glazier will replace the panel with one that’s been custom-cut for your cat door.
The cat door is securely fitted into the new panel, sealed properly to prevent draughts and leaks, and tested to ensure smooth operation.
Hiring a professional means the entire process is handled for you. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation & Quote – A glazier will assess your door, recommend the best approach, and provide a cost estimate.
Glass Measurement & Ordering – If the glass needs replacing, a custom-sized panel will be ordered.
Installation Day – The old glass is carefully removed, the new panel is installed, and the cat door is fitted securely.
Final Checks & Clean-up – The installer will test the door, ensure a proper seal, and clean up any debris.
Installation in standard glass doors: Around 1-2 hours.
Double-glazed panels that need replacing: The process can take a few days, as the new glass panel needs to be custom-made before installation.
Glass Type: Single-glazed is quicker than double-glazed, which may need a replacement panel.
Cat Door Type: Microchip doors take slightly longer to install due to additional components.
Accessibility: If the door is in a tricky spot, it may take extra time to fit properly.
Type of Glass: Single-glazed installations are more affordable than double-glazed replacements.
Type of Cat Door: Microchip-activated doors are pricier than basic flap models.
Labour & Materials: Costs depend on the complexity of the job and the materials required.
For a precise quote, it’s best to get in touch with a professional who can assess your door and provide accurate pricing.
Wipe down the flap weekly to keep it free of dirt and fur.
Check for stuck leaves, bugs, or anything blocking the door.
If you have a lockable or microchip door, test it every few weeks to make sure it’s working properly.
If the flap becomes loose or scratched, get a replacement to keep things secure.
A professionally installed cat door means no mess, no stress, just a happy cat and a hassle-free home.
At Sharp Glass, we specialise in glass cat door installations in Christchurch.
Get a free quote today and let’s get your furry mate sorted!
