A No-Drill Cat Door That's Safe for Renters

Q: Do I need my landlord's permission?

Because installation doesn't involve drilling, cutting, or permanent attachment, it's generally a lower-friction option to raise with a landlord than a wall or door cut-through. Check your specific lease terms first.

Most cat doors are built to be permanent: cut a hole in a wall or exterior door, and it stays there. If you rent your home, that's usually not an option — and even if you own it, you might not want a permanent hole. This window insert gives you a cat door without drilling, cutting, or attaching anything permanently to your home. $90, fits windows 16-36 inches.

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

No-drill cat door insert installed in a window, no tools or hardware visible

Why "no drilling" matters for renters

Most leases prohibit structural changes like cutting a pet door into a wall or exterior door — and even where it's technically allowed, reversing it when you move out is expensive and time-consuming. Because this insert fits into the window opening itself rather than being attached to your wall or door, there's nothing to patch, fill, or repair when you leave.

How the no-drill install works

The insert fits directly into your window opening — a sliding window or an up-and-down (single- or double-hung) window.
It adjusts to fit the opening and is secured without screws, drilling, or adhesive.
Installation and removal both take a matter of minutes, with no tools required.
When you move, you take the insert with you and reinstall it in your next home's window.

Always check your lease and, if you're unsure, confirm with your landlord before installing any window insert — but because nothing is drilled or permanently attached, this is a lower-impact option than a wall or door cut-through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will it damage my window or window frame?

No drilling, cutting, or adhesive is used to install it — the insert is designed to sit in the window opening without permanently altering the frame.

Do I need my landlord's permission?

We can't give lease-specific advice, but because installation doesn't involve drilling, cutting, or permanent attachment, it's generally a lower-friction option to raise with a landlord than a wall or door cut-through. Check your specific lease terms first.

Can I really take it with me when I move?

Yes — the insert isn't fixed to your current window. Remove it, bring it with you, and reinstall it in your new home's window (sliding or up-and-down) as long as it fits the opening.

How long does installation actually take?

It's designed to install or remove in minutes, without tools — see the installation videos on the up-and-down window and sliding window pages.

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