If you leave your cat flap open, it may create a draft. This is a problem that many cat owners have to deal with.
A draught excluder can reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, however the cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates has a wide selection of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations including wall-mounted installations.
The Material
One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation is what keeps cold air out and warm in. There are a number of ways that insulation can be made, but the most important is the material that the flap is constructed from.
A single flap will not make much difference in insulating your home However, doors with triple or double flaps are more efficient in insulation and will prevent cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught restrictors that are fitted around the frame of the cat flap and help reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.
Another alternative is to fill the area left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home and reduce the noise generated by your cat's pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is crucial that you measure the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose the filler material that is compatible with the material surrounding it.
The RANGER pet entry door from Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for a high-quality cat flap. This door comes with a strong, insulated seal that reduces the loss of heat. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened it creates a draft that means cold air can enter your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this issue by adding what's known as draft excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. If you plan to make use of a cat flap in colder weather, ensure that the door seals tightly when closed and there aren't any gaps through which allow cold air to enter.
A solid magnetic seal is a way to help your cat flap stay shut against wind, however you must also consider the overall structure and materials that are used in the pet door. The best cold weather pet doors will be made from 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 keep warm air out, which is an energy-efficient option.
Choose a model with double-flaps that are able to be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. These are more expensive than the single-flap models but they will help you save money on energy costs over time. This is especially important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the most favorable reviews and provide the most 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, as well as an easy-to-install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent choice, with a lot of customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme wind and cold while still offering the ability for their cats to enter and exit without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In cold weather, a well sealed cat flap is essential to prevent energy loss. The best cat flap insulation features an opening with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside it. Some models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.
A great cat flap should be able to withstand 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 into your home and increase your heating costs. A good model for cold weather will come with a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles per hour. Many models also have insulation to stop loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for cold weather available. This model is insulated both inside the frame and in the door to provide maximum insulation. It comes with a Snap On closing panel that you can slide into the door if the weather is cold to keep your pet inside.
Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to help reduce the loss of heat through conduction, and keep your house warm. The frame is welded with the help of technology from the automotive industry to make it strong and durable for cold-weather conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a ideal option for those who live in colder 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 resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be positioned on various wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket which provides insulation and energy efficiency, and it comes with tunnel kits that you can add to the door for more protection during extreme weather.
The Design
If you're looking to keep your home warm, and keep out drafts, look for a cat door with insulation features. cat flap fitters could include the dual flap system or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material such as aluminum which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that prevent drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door with these features.
Modern cat doors, which are specifically designed to be used in cold climates, have a variety of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that is able to withstand extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly because it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin substance that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap, you may still find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the door frame and the wall or window. The flap creates a draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by placing a draught-excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat must be able to open and close the doors without difficulty so that they can be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.
Installing a 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 feature a thicker, insulated door that reduces conductive heating. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius and lower. This degree of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the cost.