A cat flap can cause an air draught when left open. This is a common problem experienced by cat flap bifold doors owners.

A draught-excluder can help reduce the amount of cold air that is able to enter the house. However, a cat flap offers greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of insulated cat flaps and dog doors that can be used for any installation, including wall-mounted installations.

The Material

One of the most important aspects of a cat door is its insulation. Insulation keeps cold air out and warm inside. There are a number of ways that insulation can be achieved however the most important is the material the flap is made of.

A single flap will not accomplish much in terms of insulation for your home However, doors with dual or triple flaps are more efficient in insulation and will stop cold air entering the house. You can also buy draught-exclusion devices to wrap around the frame and limit drafts. You should be aware that these products will not prevent cold air from entering your home if you are also trying to open the door to let your cat in.

Another option is to cover the area left behind by your cat's flap with some form of insulation, like styrofoam. This will stop cold air from entering your home and reduce the noise produced by your cat's pet door. It is important to note that if you choose to do this, it is vital that you measure the hole that your cat flap installers flap has made and select a filler material that matches the surrounding material.

A great option for a cat flap that has high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is constructed with an insulated, thick flap that is designed to limit the loss of heat that is conductive. It also has a durable magnetic seal to stop cold air and wind from leaking through the flap. Its celluloid PVC frame is 3,000X more insulating than the aluminum material used in the frames of other pet doors.

Wind Resistance

When a cat door is opened, it creates a draft which means cold air can get into your home even when the flap is closed. Some manufacturers attempt to eliminate this problem by adding what's known as draft excluders, which are basically brushes that are inserted around the flap opening. However, if you're seeking a cold weather cat flap insulation, you'll need to ensure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut and that there aren't gaps that cold air can pass through.

It is possible to help your cat's door stay closed against the winds by using a sturdy magnetic seal. However, you should be aware of the overall structure of a pet-door and its materials. The most effective doors for cold weather are made of materials that are insulating, such as thick PVC flaps as well as a plastic frame that is able to resist temperatures that are as low as -40 degrees Celsius. This will prevent cold air from entering and keep warm air out, which can be an enormous energy saver.

Choose a model with double-flaps, which can be able to withstand cold and heat and high winds. They'll cost more than single-flap models, but they're a wise investment that can help you save money on energy costs in the long run. This is important if you reside in an area that has harsh winters and summers.

If you're considering purchasing a winter cat flap, check the reviews to determine which models are the best-reviewed and provide the best protection against the elements. Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff Weather Pet Door is popular because it comes with a sturdy flap and a simple 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 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 colder weather, an enclosed cat flap that seals tightly is the key to decreasing energy loss. This is why the best cat flap insulation comes with an magnetic closure. These magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is in the room. Additionally, certain models have an outer closing panel that you can use to lock your pet inside or out if you need to.

A strong magnetic seal is vital in cold weather, but a good cat flap also needs to be able to resist winds. You don't want the cat door to be blown open by the wind in winter, because it will let cold air to enter your home and increase your heating bill. A quality cold-weather model will have a magnetic seal that can withstand wind speeds up to 50 miles per hour. A majority of these models also come with insulation to help prevent heat loss.

The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps designed for cold weather on the market. This model is insulated in both the door and frame to give the best amount of insulation. It is equipped with a Snap On closing panel which can be inserted into the door when weather is not ideal to keep your pet safe.

The RANGER pet gate made by Freedom Pet Pass is another excellent option. The door is insulated with thick, cellular PVC to minimize heat loss and keep your home 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 excellent choice for colder weather. It is made from aerospace-quality aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded using laser welding technology used in the automobile industry. Its design is able to withstand harsh weather conditions and is able to be installed on a variety of wall materials. Its double flaps offer insulation and energy efficiency. A tunnel kit can be incorporated into the door to give it extra protection during extreme weather.

The Design

When you are choosing a cat door that can keep your home warm and free from drafts, you should choose one with insulation features. It could be a dual-flap design or a frame constructed of aluminum which has lower thermal conduction than PVC or plastic. Certain models also have brushes that block drafts and aid in reducing the loss of energy. You can find doors with these features by looking for terms such as "insulation," weatherproof seals," and "energy efficiency" in the description of the product.

Many of the modern cat doors that are made specifically for use in cold climates come with an array of insulation features. The Endura Flap Pet Door, for example, is equipped with a dual-flap design and an insulated frame that can endure extreme weather conditions and block drafts. It is also eco-friendly as it is made of a non-toxic polyolefin that is safe for both your pets and planet.

Even if you've selected an insulated cat flap you might still notice that cold air can pass through the gap between the door frame and your existing window with cat flap or wall. The flap can create draft when it is opened. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce the draught by putting a draught excluder on the outside of the flap. However it is essential to remember that your cat must be able to open and shut the doors without difficulty to allow them to be able to enter and exit the door as they need to.

Installing a new pet door, such as Freedom Pet Pass' RANGER, that is designed specifically for cold weather is an effective option. The RANGER pet doors feature an insulated, thicker door that reduces conductive heating. It is also able to endure extreme temperatures, such as -40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be comparable to double-pane windows but at a fraction of the cost.