A cat flap can create a draught if left open. This is a problem that many cat owners experience.

A draught excluder can to reduce cold air coming into the home, however an animal flap that is insulated can provide more protection from the elements. Tomsgates provides a range of insulated dog doors and cat flaps that are suitable for all types of installations, including wall installations.

The Material

One of the most important elements of a cat door is its insulation. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be accomplished in various ways, but the material from which the flap is made is the most crucial.

A single flap will not make much difference in insulation for your home But doors with dual or triple flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to go around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.

Fill in the space left by your cat flap with insulation like styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, and also making it less noisy that is produced when your cat opens their pet door. It is worth noting that if you choose to do this, it is vital that you measure the hole your cat's flap has made and select the filler material that is compatible with the material surrounding it.

The RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass is an excellent choice for an excellent cat flap step flap. The door features a thick, insulated flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat through conductive channels. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or winds from passing 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

If a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home if the flap is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this problem by adding what are known as draught excluders which are essentially brushes that can be placed around the flap opening. However, if you're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to make sure that your door can seal tightly when shut, and that there are no gaps where cold air can pass through.

You can help your cat keep the door shut against wind by using a durable magnetic seal. However, you must also consider the overall construction of a pet door and its materials. The most effective cold weather pet doors are made of materials that are insulating. This includes thick PVC flaps and a frame that is able to resist temperatures of as low as -40° Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from getting inside.

Choose a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat, as well high winds. These models are more expensive than the single-flap models however they can save you money on energy costs over time. This is particularly true when you live in an area that gets harsh winters or summers.

Check reviews before buying a cat flap that is cold-weather to see which models have the highest reviews and offer the most protection from the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular due to its durable flap and a simple to install secure, tamper-proof design. Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option. Many customers praise its ability to withstand cold and wind without restricting the freedom of their cats.

The Magnetic Seal

In cold weather, a tightly closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation comes with the use of a magnetic closure. The magnets will help keep the door closed even when your pet is inside. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet's door when needed.

A great cat flap should be able to withstand the wind and be secured with a magnetic seal. You don't want your cat's door to be blown open by the winds in winter, since this will allow cold air into your home, which will increase your heating costs. A good cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with an extremely strong magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a lot of them are also insulated to prevent heat loss through the door.

One of the top cold-weather cat flaps on the market is the Security Boss insulated pet door. This model is insulated in both the door and the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.

Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door cat flap insulation made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss through conduction and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it strong and durable for cold weather conditions.

The Baboni pet door is another great option for those who live in cold weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and metal, and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and can be installed on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for extra protection in extreme weather.

The Design

When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should look for one with insulation features. This could be a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a substance such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Certain models come with brushes that help to reduce energy loss and prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door equipped with these features.

A majority of the contemporary cat flaps for french doors doors designed specifically for cold climates have an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated framework that can endure harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made from an organic polyolefin polymer that is safe for pets and the planet.

Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap, you might still notice that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the frame of your door and your wall or window. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what is called a draught excluder that is placed on the outside of the flap however, it is crucial to keep in mind that your cat will need to be able to open and shut the door easily so that they can go in and out as they wish.

An alternative that is more efficient is to install a brand new door specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors come with an insulated, thicker door that cuts down on the heating that is conductive. It is also able to endure extreme cold, securing against temperatures of -40 ° Celsius and lower. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the price.