Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

A cat flap can create a draught if it's left open. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.

A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the home, however an animal flap that is insulated will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of cat flaps that are insulated and dog doors that can be used for any type of installation, including wall installations.

The Material

Insulation is one of the most important aspects of a cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways, but the material that the flap is constructed is the most crucial.

A single flap won't make much difference in insulation, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to cover the frame and limit drafts. However, you need to bear in mind that these will not stop the cold air from getting in if your cat is using their door at the same at the same time.

Another option is to fill in the space left by your cat's flap some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home and cat flap will reduce the noise produced by your cat when they use their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is crucial that you measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and select a filler material that matches the material surrounding it.

An excellent choice for a cat flap in upvc door panel flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door has an extremely thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit conductive heat loss. It also has magnetic seals that block cold air or winds from passing through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X more in insulating properties than the aluminum used in the frames of less pet doors.

Wind Resistance

When a cat flap is closed, cold air can still get into your home even though the flap is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you plan to use a cat flap to combat colder weather, make sure your door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps that allow cold air to enter.

A solid magnetic seal is a way to make sure your cat's flap remain shut against the wind, but you must also consider the overall design and the materials employed in the construction of a pet door. The most effective doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from getting in and keeps warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.

Find a model with double-flaps that are able to withstand both heat and cold, as well high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, however they are a good investment that will allow you to save on energy costs in the long run. This is particularly important when you live in an area which experiences harsh winters or summers.

Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the highest reviews 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, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different choice, with a lot of customers praise its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while still allowing their cats to move in and out without hassle.

The Magnetic Seal

In cold weather, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to prevent energy loss. The most effective cat flap insulation has a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door shut even when your pet is inside. Some models come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when required.

A great cat flap should be able to withstand wind and have a strong magnetic seal. You don't need your cat flap to be blown open by the wind in winter. This will allow cold air in to your home and increase your heating bills. A quality cold-weather model will have an electronic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles an hour. A lot of these models also have insulation to help prevent loss of heat.

One of the top cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door as well as the frame to provide the highest amount of insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather isn't great to keep your pets indoors.

The RANGER pet gate from Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent alternative. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded with automotive technology to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.

The Baboni pet doors are another great choice for cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design is impervious to extreme weather conditions, and can be installed on different wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door for additional protection in extreme weather.

The Design

When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free it is recommended to choose a door with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap model or a frame made of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Some models also feature brushes that stop drafts and aid in reducing energy loss. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door that has these features.

Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that is able to endure extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also environmentally friendly, because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for both your pet and the planet.

Even if your cat flap is insulated however, cold air can still pass through the opening between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by providing what is known as a draught excluder which is placed around the flap's outside, but it is important to keep in mind that your cat needs to be able to open and shut the door without difficulty to allow them to go in and out as they wish.

Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER designed for cold weather is a more effective solution. The RANGER pet doors feature an extra thick, insulated upvc door panels with cat flap that reduces the conductive heating. It is also able to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but for a fraction of their price.