Choosing Cat Flap Insulation

If you keep your cat's flap open, it may create a draft. This is a problem that many cat owners face.
A draught excluder can minimise cold air entering the house, but the cat flap that is insulated will offer more protection from the elements. Tomsgates has a range of insulated cat flaps and dog doors suitable for any kind of installation, including wall installations.
The Material
One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways in which insulation can be made but the most important factor is the material that the flap is made of.
Doors with double or triple flaps provide more insulation and block cold air from getting into your home. You can also purchase draught-excluders to go around the frame and reduce drafts. Be aware that these will not stop cold air from entering your home if you are trying to open the door for your cat.
Another option is to fill in the space left behind by your cat flap with some kind of insulation, such as styrofoam. This will prevent cold air from entering your home, and also reduce the noise generated by your cat when they use their pet door. If cat flap fitting choose to do this, you need to determine the size of the hole that your cat's flap has created and choose a filler that is compatible with the fabric.
A great option for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to reduce the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a sturdy magnetic seal that prevents cold air and wind from getting in through the flap. Its cellular PVC frame is 3,000X better insulation than the aluminum material that is used in the frames of less pet doors.
Wind Resistance
When a cat's door is opened and closed, it creates draft, which means that cold air can enter your home even though the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate the risk of this by incorporating what's known as draft excluders, which are basically brushes that can be inserted around the flap opening. If you want to use a cat flap to combat cold weather, you should ensure that your door is sealed tightly when closed and that there aren't any gaps through which let cold air in.
You can help your cat keep the door shut against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must be aware of the overall structure of a pet door and its materials. The best doors for pets in cold weather are made of materials that are insulate. These include thick PVC flaps, and frames that can stand up to temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from getting inside.
You should also look for double-flap models that can be able to withstand heat and cold and high winds. These will be more expensive than single-flap models, but they are a good investment that can help you save on energy costs in the long run. This is particularly true if you reside in a region which experiences harsh winters or summers.
Check reviews before buying a cat flap for cold weather to determine which models have the highest reviews and provide the best 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 sturdy flap, in addition to an easy-to-install and tamper-proof design. The Endura Flap Double Flap Wall Mount Dog & Cat Door is another excellent option, with many customers praising its ability to resist extreme cold and wind while providing the ability for their cats to move in and out freely.
The Magnetic Seal
In winter, a tightly sealed cat flap is essential to reduce energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door shut, even when your pet is inside the door. Additionally, certain models come with an external closing panel that you can use to lock your pet in or out if you need to.
A strong magnetic seal is vital in winter however, a good cat flap should also be able to stand up to the wind. You don't need your cat flap to be blown wide open by the winds in winter. This will let cold air in to your home and increase your heating bill. 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 reduce heat loss through the door.
The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder weather on the market. This model is insulated both in the frame and the door to provide maximum insulation. It also comes with a Snap-On closing panel that can be slid in when the weather is bad to keep your pets safe.
Another great option is the RANGER pet door by Freedom Pet Pass. This door is insulated with thick celluloid PVC to reduce conductive heat loss and keep your home warm. The frame is also welded using technology used in automotive manufacturing to make it durable and strong for harsh winter conditions.
The Baboni pet doors are a ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed of aluminum alloy of aerospace quality and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology that is utilized in the automotive industry. Its design is able to withstand extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on various wall materials. Its double flaps create 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, consider a cat door that is insulated. This could be the dual flap system or a thermally efficient frame constructed from a material like aluminum, which is less thermally conductive than PVC or plastic. Some models also come with brushes that block drafts and help to reduce energy loss. You can find doors that have these features by searching for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.
A lot of modern cat doors designed specifically for cold climates come with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, comes with a dual flap system and an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions, helping prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also environmentally friendly, being made from a non-toxic polyolefin polymer that is safe for your pet and the planet.
Even if your cat flap is well-insulated it is possible that cold air can still pass through the gap created between the frame of your door or window and the wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to minimize this by offering what's called a draught excluder that is placed on the flap's exterior however it is important to remember that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door without difficulty so that they can go into and out when they need to.
The most effective option is to put in a new door specifically designed for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet door features a thicker, insulated flap that helps to reduce the conductive heat by reducing amount of energy lost through the material. It can also be able to withstand extreme temperatures, like temperatures of -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection is comparable to double-paned windows, but at a fraction of the cost.