A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, however the cat flap with insulation will provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that are suitable for any installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved in many ways, but the material that the flap is made is the most important.
Doors with triple or double flaps will provide greater insulation and prevent cold air from getting into your home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. But, you must bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in when your cat is trying to use their door at the same time.
Another option is to fill in the space left behind by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This can help stop cold air from entering your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise that occurs when your cat is using their pet door. If you choose to do this, you need to determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap made and select a filler that matches the fabric.
An excellent choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door has a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frames are 3,000X more insulating that the aluminum frames of the inferior pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft, which means that cold air can sneak into your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders the flap opening, which are brushes. However, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you must make sure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there are no gaps where cold air can enter.
A strong magnetic seal is one way to make sure your cat's flap keep its seal against wind, however you should also take a look at the overall design and the materials used in the construction of a pet door. The best cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps and a plastic frame that can endure temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which can be a big energy saver.
Look for a design with double-flaps that can be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap versions, but they can help you save money on energy bills over time. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather look over the reviews to determine which ones are the most well-reviewed and provide the best protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a favorite due to its excellent insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many customers praise its ability to resist the elements of wind and cold without hindering their freedom for their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is essential to cutting down on energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside the door. Some models come with an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A good cat flap must be able resist wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the winds in winter, since it will let cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will have a strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds of up to 50 miles per hour and many of these models are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.
One of the best cold-weather cat flaps available on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. It is insulated inside the frame and in the door to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets inside.
The RANGER pet gate by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent alternative. The door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is welded together with the help of technology from the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is constructed from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and metal steel, and is welded using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather, and it can be installed on various wall materials. Its double flaps create an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for more protection in extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat-friendly door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. You can find doors with these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system as well as an insulated framework that can withstand harsh weather conditions and stop drafts. It is also eco-friendly because it is made of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for both your pets and the environment.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you may still find that cold air is able to pass through the gap between the frame of your door and your wall or window. This is because the flap itself creates an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what is called a draught excluder that is placed around the flap's outside however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty so that they can get in and out as they wish.
Installing fitting a cat flap Repair My Windows And Doors as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for cold weather is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, insulated flap which helps reduce conductive heating by reducing the amount of energy lost through the material. It also has the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, including 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their cost.