If you leave your cat's flap open, it could create draft. This is a frequent issue that cat owners face.
A draught excluder can help minimise cold air entering the home, but a cat flap with insulation will provide 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
One of the most important features of the cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are many ways in which insulation can be created but the most important thing is the material that the flap is made of.
A single flap won't make much difference in insulation for your home But doors with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air entering the home. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the flap and help reduce drafts. But, you must be aware that these won't stop the cold air from getting in the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same simultaneously.
Another option is to cover the area left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering your home, and also reduce the noise generated by your cat's pet door. If you decide to do this, you must measure the hole your cat flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
A great choice for a cat flap that offers high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to minimize conductive heat loss. through wall cat flap has a strong magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more in insulating properties than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft which means cold air can enter your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers add draught-excluders to the flap opening which are essentially brushes. If you are planning to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, you should ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps where allow cold air to enter.
You can make sure that your cat's keep the door shut against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you should also consider the overall construction of a pet-door and its materials. The best doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that can resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and prevent cold air from getting inside.
Find a model with double-flaps, which can stand up to cold and hot and also high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap designs, but they are a good investment that will help you reduce your energy bills in the long in the long run. This is particularly important if reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
If you're considering purchasing a winter cat flap look over the reviews to determine which models have the highest ratings and offer the most protection against the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice because it offers great insulation and a tough flap, as well as an easy-to-install secure, sturdy design that is tamper-proof. 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 compromising the freedom of their cats.
The Magnetic Seal
When it comes to colder temperatures, a cat flap that seals tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. The best cat flap insulation has the magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if necessary.
A strong magnetic seal is essential for colder weather however, a great cat flap also needs to be able to withstand wind. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by wind during winter, as this could allow cold air into your home and increase your heating bill. A good cold-weather model will come with an electronic seal that can withstand winds of that exceed 50 miles an hour. A lot models also come with insulation to prevent loss of heat.
One of the best cat flaps for cold weather on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. The model is insulated in the frame and the door to provide maximum 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.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick, cellular PVC in order to reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is also welded using automotive technology to ensure it is durable and sturdy for cold weather conditions.
The Baboni pet door is another ideal option for cold weather. It is made from aluminum alloy that is of aerospace quality and steel, and welded together using laser welding technology that is used in the automotive industry. Its design is impervious to harsh weather, and it can be installed on various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that offers insulation and energy efficiency, and it comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for extra protection during severe weather.
The Design
If you want to keep your home warm, and prevent drafts from entering, look for a cat door with insulation features. This could include dual flaps, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum that is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and reduce the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the description of the product to find a door equipped with these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed for use in cold climates, have several insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features a dual flap system and an constructed with an insulated frame that is able to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping keep out drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly and is made of an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air can pass through the gap between the frame of your door and the wall or window. This is because the flap itself produces an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by offering what's known as a draught excluder which is placed on the outside of the flap, but it is important to remember that your cat needs to be able to open and close the door with ease to allow them to go in and out as needed.
Installing an entirely new pet door, like Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER one, which is specifically designed for cold weather, is the most effective solution. The RANGER pet doors have a thicker, insulated door that reduces the conductive heating. It can also be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be similar to double-pane windows but at less cost.