Catio Window Door: Connect Your Home to a Catio Through a Window

A catio needs a way for your cat to get from the house into the enclosure and back. Cutting a permanent hole in a wall or door is one option — but if the catio is positioned near a window, a window insert cat door can connect the two spaces without any permanent structural change.

Up & Down Window ($90) Sliding Window ($90)

View through a sliding window cat door insert looking out into a screened catio enclosure — A real customer install: the cat door insert in a sliding window, opening directly into a screened catio.

How it works for a catio setup

The insert fits into your existing window opening — either a sliding window or an up-and-down (single- or double-hung) window — the same way it would for indoor/outdoor access. For a catio, that window simply needs to open into (or line up with an opening into) the catio enclosure instead of the outdoors directly. Your cat moves through the insert's door panel between the house and the catio, and the surrounding window frame stays intact.

Why use a window instead of cutting into a wall

No permanent hole in your siding, wall, or exterior door.
Nothing to patch or repair if you ever remove the catio.
Works for renters and homeowners alike, since it doesn't alter the structure.
Can be removed and reinstalled if you move the catio or relocate.

Things to plan for

Because every catio build is different, a few things are worth thinking through before you buy:

Window type: confirm whether your window is a sliding or up-and-down style — see the sliding window or up-and-down window pages for the specifics of each.
Alignment: the catio enclosure needs to be positioned so your cat can reach the window opening from inside the catio (e.g., a catio built directly against the exterior wall under or around the window).
Weatherproofing: as with any window modification, consider how the insert and any gaps are sealed against weather in your climate.

If you have questions about whether your specific catio layout will work, message the shop with your window type and catio placement before ordering.

"I bought this window cat door as the first step in the process of installing a catio and then attaching some tunnels. One kitty used it immediately to come inside. I like that the door opening can be used on left or right side. After I installed this item, I measured for the catio and ordered it." – Faela, verified Etsy buyer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a cat door window insert really replace a wall cut-through for a catio?

For catios positioned adjacent to a window, yes — the insert lets your cat pass between the house and the catio through the window opening instead of a hole cut into the wall or exterior door.

Does it work with any window near my catio?

It's designed for sliding windows and up-and-down (single- or double-hung) windows. If your catio is positioned near one of those, it can work — see the window-specific pages linked above for details.

Can I still open my window normally when it's not being used for the catio?

The insert sits in the window opening while in use for cat access. Day-to-day, you'd use the window as you normally would with the insert removed.

Is this a permanent modification?

No. Nothing is drilled, cut, or permanently attached — the insert can be removed and the window restored to normal.

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Up & Down Window ($90) Sliding Window ($90)

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