A cat flap can cause a draught if it's left open. This is a common issue experienced by cat owners.

A draught-excluder can reduce the amount of cold air entering the home. However, a cat flap offers greater protection against the elements. Tomsgates offers a variety of dog doors insulated and cat flaps that are suitable for all kinds of installations, including wall installations.

The Material

One of the most important features of a cat door is its insulation. It is the thing that keeps cold air out and warm inside. Insulation can be achieved through many ways, but the material from which the flap is made is the most important.

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 wrap around the frame and reduce drafts. However, it is important to keep in mind that these won't stop the cold air from entering the room if your cat is attempting to use their door at the same time.

Fill in the gap left by your cat flap using insulation such as styrofoam. This will block cold air from entering your home and will reduce the sound generated by your cat when they use their pet door. It is worth noting that if you decide to do this, it is essential that you measure the hole that your cat's flap has made and select a filler material that matches the material surrounding it.

A great choice for an animal flap that provides high levels of insulation is the RANGER pet door from Freedom Pet Pass. This door features a thick sealed, insulated seal that minimizes heat loss. It also has an elastomeric seal that blocks cold air or wind from entering through the flap. Its cellular PVC frames are 3,000 times more insulating that the aluminum used in the frames of inferior pet doors.

Wind Resistance

When a cat's door is opened it creates a draft which means cold air can get into your home, even if the flap is closed. Certain manufacturers include draught-excluders in the flap opening, which are brushes. However, if you are searching for a true cold weather cat flap insulation, you will need to ensure that your door can seal tightly when it is shut and that there are no gaps through which cold air can enter.

You can help your cat shut the door against wind by using a strong magnetic seal. However, you must take into consideration the overall design 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 withstand temperatures as low as 40 degrees Celsius. This keeps warm air out and stop cold air from entering.

Find a model with double-flaps that can be able to withstand cold and heat and also high winds. They will cost more than single-flap models, cat flap insulation however they are a great investment that can help you save on energy costs in the long in the long run. This is particularly important if reside in a region that experiences harsh winters and summers.

If you're thinking of buying a cat flap that is cold weather read the reviews to see which models are the best-reviewed and cat flap insulation offer the most protection from the elements. The Ideal Pet Products Designer Series Ruff-Weather Cat Door is a well-loved choice because it offers great insulation and a sturdy flap, in addition to an easy-to-install secure, safe from tampering. 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 still offering the ability for their cats to enter and exit freely.

The Magnetic Seal

In cold weather, a well closed cat flap is crucial to prevent energy loss. This is why the most effective cat flap insulation is made with a magnetic closure. The magnets keep the door closed, even when your pet is inside the door. Some models also come with an outer panel that can be used to lock or unlock your pet if required.

A solid magnetic seal is vital in cold weather, but a good cat flap should also be able to withstand winds. You don't want your cat door to be blown open by the winds in winter, since it will let cold air to enter your home, which will increase your heating costs. A high-quality cold-weather cat flap will be sealed with fitting a cat flap durable magnetic seal that can withstand winds up to 50 miles per hour, and a majority of these models are also insulated to stop heat loss through the door.

The Security Boss pet door is one of the best cat flaps for colder temperatures available. It is insulated in both the door as well as the frame to provide the maximum amount of insulation. It also has a Snap-On closing panel that you can slide into when the weather isn't great to keep your pets safe.

Another option that is great is the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The door is insulated using thick celluloid PVC to minimize heat loss 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 doors are another ideal option for those who live in colder weather. It is constructed of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy and steel, and is welded with laser welding technology, which is utilized in the automobile industry. Its design is resistant to extreme weather conditions, and can be positioned on a variety of wall materials. The double flaps create an air pocket that provides insulation and energy efficiency and it also comes with an option to tunnel the door add to the door for additional protection in extreme weather.

The Design

When selecting a cat door that can keep your home warm and draft free you should choose one with insulation features. This could include a dual flap system, or a frame that is thermally efficient made from a material like aluminum, which is less conductive to heat than PVC or plastic. Some models have brushes that reduce energy loss and also prevent drafts. Look for the words "insulation," "weatherproof seals," or "energy efficiency" in the product description to find a door that has these features.

Modern cat doors, specifically designed for use in cold climates, are equipped with various insulation options. The Endura Flap pet door, for instance, features fitting a cat flap in a upvc door dual flap system as well as an enclosed frame that is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, helping to prevent drafts and heat loss. It is also eco-friendly, since it is constructed of a nontoxic polyolefin material that is safe for your pets and planet.

Even if you have chosen an insulated cat flap you might find that cold air is able to traverse the gap between the door frame and your existing window cat flap or wall. This is because the flap itself causes an air draught when it is open. Some manufacturers attempt to reduce this by providing what is called a draught excluder that is positioned around the outside of the flap however it is important to keep in mind that your cat will need to be capable of opening and closing the door with ease so that they can go in and out as needed.

The most effective option is to install a new door that has been specifically made for cold weather, such as the RANGER pet door made by Freedom Pet Pass. The RANGER pet doors have an extra thick, insulated door that reduces the conductive heating. It is also able to withstand extreme temperatures, including 40 degrees Celsius. This level of protection could be compared to double-pane windows, but at only a fraction of the cost.