Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

If you leave your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a common problem experienced by cat owners.

A draught excluder can help cut down the amount of cold air entering the home. However an animal flap will offer greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any installation, including wall-mounted installations.

The Material

One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm in. There are many ways that insulation can be created, but the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.

A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home, but doors that come with dual or triple flaps are much more insulated and will prevent cold air from entering the home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and reduce drafts. You should be aware that they will not stop cold air from entering your home, if you're trying to open the door to let your cat in.

Another option is to cover the space left behind by your cat's flap with some kind of insulation, like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, while also decreasing the amount of noise generated when your cat flap fitters opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is vital to gauge the hole that your cat flap has created and choose a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.

The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for an excellent cat flap. The door has a thick, insulated seal that reduces heat loss. It also has a durable magnetic seal to prevent cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000 times more in insulating properties than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.

Wind Resistance

When a cat's flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home when the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. But, if you're looking for a truly cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to make sure that your door will seal properly when it is shut and that there are no gaps that cold air can enter.

It is possible to help your cat's shut the door against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, including thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to endure temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will stop cold air from entering and keeps warm air out, which is an enormous energy saver.

You should also look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat and high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, but they are a good investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long term. This is particularly true when you reside in a region that experiences harsh winters or summers.

Check reviews before buying a cold-weather cat flap to determine which models have the highest reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is a popular choice because it provides excellent insulation and a sturdy flap, in addition to an easy-to-install, safe from tampering. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another great option. Many of its customers appreciate its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.

The Magnetic Seal

In winter, a tightly shut cat flap bifold doors flap is vital to minimize energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with an magnetic closure. The magnets will keep the door shut, even when your pet is in it. Some models also have an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door if required.

A strong magnetic seal is crucial for cold weather however, a great cat flap should also be able to withstand wind. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the wind during winter, as it will let cold air into your home and increase the cost of heating. A good model for cold weather has an electronic seal that is able to withstand winds that exceed 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.

One of the best cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated inside both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. It includes the Snap On closing panel which you can put into the door if the weather is bad in order to keep your pet safe.

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

The Baboni pet door is an ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and metal and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design makes it immune to harsh weather conditions and can be incorporated into various wall materials. The double flaps provide insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be added to the door to provide extra protection in extreme weather.

The Design

When choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. This could include the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient constructed from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce the loss of energy and stop drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door that has these features.

Modern cat doors, specifically designed to be used in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated frame that can stand up to extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also green, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pet and the planet.

Even the flap is insulated, you may find that cold air can still flow through the gap between the door frame or window and the existing wall. This is because the flap itself produces draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what is called a draught excluder that is positioned around the outside of the flap however it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and close the door without difficulty to allow them to go in and out as they wish.

An alternative that is more efficient is to put in a new door specifically designed for colder weather, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with a thicker, insulated door that reduces the conductive heating. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This degree of protection can be comparable to double-pane windows but at only a fraction of the cost.