If you leave your cat flap open, it may create draft. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught-exclusion device can help reduce the amount of cold air that enters the home, but a cat flap that is insulated can provide greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a selection of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation including wall installations.
The Material
Insulation is one of the most important characteristics of a cat-door. This is what will keep cold air out and warm air in. Insulation can be achieved through various ways, but the material from which the flap is constructed is the most important.
A single flap won't do much in terms of insulation for your home But doors with triple or double flaps are far more insulated and stop cold air from getting into the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame to reduce drafts. Be aware that they will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
cat flap fitters is to fill the space left by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will stop cold air from getting into your home, and also reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is crucial that you measure the hole your cat's flap has made and select a filler material that is in line with the material surrounding it.
A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door has a thick, insulated seal that reduces the loss of heat. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better insulating than the aluminum used in the frames of lesser pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat flap is closed, cold air may still enter your home when the flap is open. Some manufacturers try to minimize the risk of this by incorporating what is known as draught excluders that are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you are planning to use a cat flap for cold weather, you should ensure that the door seals tightly when closed, and that there aren't any gaps through which let cold air in.
It is possible to help your cat's door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. But, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather will be made of materials that are insulation. These include thick PVC flaps, as well as frames that can withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be an energy-efficient option.
You should also look for a double-flap design that can resist both cold and heat, as well as 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 when you live in an area that gets extreme summers or winters.
Read reviews before purchasing a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the best reviews and provide the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a popular choice due to its excellent insulation and a tough flap, and an easy-to-install secure, tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is a different option, with numerous customers commenting on its ability to withstand extreme cold and wind, while providing the ability for their cats to go in and out without hassle.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly shut cat flap is vital to prevent energy loss. The best cat flap insulation has an opening with a magnetic closure. These magnets help to keep the door closed when your pet is inside. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out, if needed.
A good cat flap must be able to withstand the wind and be secured with a 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, which will increase the cost of heating. A good cold-weather model will have magnetic seals that is able to withstand winds up to 50 miles an hour. A majority of these models also have insulation to help prevent loss of heat.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder weather available. It is insulated in both the door and the frame to give the best amount of insulation. It includes a Snap On closing panel which can be inserted into the door when weather is not ideal to keep your pet safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to limit heat loss and keep your home warm. Additionally, the frame is welded together using the latest technology in the automotive industry to ensure it is strong and durable in cold weather.
The Baboni pet door is an excellent choice for colder weather. It is made from aerospace quality aluminum alloy as well as steel, and welded together with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is resistant to harsh weather conditions and can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps form an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with a tunnel kit you can add to the door for more protection during extreme weather.
The Design
When you are choosing a cat door that will keep your home warm and free of drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a thermally efficient frame made from a material such as aluminum which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and reduce 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.
Modern cat doors, specifically designed for cold climates, have various insulation options. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for instance, comes with a dual-flap system and an insulated frame that can endure harsh weather conditions and prevent drafts. It is also green, being made from an un-toxic polyolefin plastic that is safe for your pets and the environment.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air can still pass through the gap between the frame of the door or window and the existing wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by putting a draught-exclusion device on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat should be able open and close the doors easily to allow them to 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 an effective option. The RANGER pet doors come with an extra thick, insulated door that blocks conductive heating. It also has the ability to be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows but at a fraction of the price.