As conscientious cat owners we are often worrying about our pets. If they’re indoor cats we worry that they’re not entertained or stimulated enough, and if they’re outdoor cats we worry about them getting lost, catching mice or having to cross busy roads. So, what’s the solution?
A cat window box is a great way for cats to get the best of both worlds, and one of the easiest and most versatile cat enclosures to install.
What is a Cat Window Box?
A cat window box is an enclosure that is attached to the window frame, or the outside of your home. When you open the window, your cat can access this space for some outdoor time, sunshine, bird watching, etc. You can also put in a cat flap so the window can remain open and your pet can climb through at their leisure.
You can get different types of cat window boxes such as:
- Plexiglass cat window boxes made from acrylic
- Bubble cat window boxes, also a plexi acrylic material
- Cat Solarium window boxes
- Window mounted cat litter boxes
- Glass cat window boxes
- Screen window boxes
- or build your own with timber, wire, pvc pipe, or recycled materials from around your home
Some cat window boxes are used as a way of letting your cat be outside with the wind in their fur, and others are designed to give your cat a bit of space where they can observe everything that’s going on around them.
Some are large and look like an extra kitty balcony and some are more the size of aircon units. Whichever you choose, the aim is the same – to get your cats interacting with their surroundings.
Why Should I Get a Cat Window Box?
Because they’re a great way of entertaining your cat in a fun and safe way. They can be surrounded by birds cheeping, watch the comings and goings on the street and have their own part of the house.
A bit of outside exposure can also help keep any unwanted behavior at bay. If not stimulated enough, indoor cats can become destructive and frustrated. Having somewhere else to go, especially if it’s open with a few of their favorite toys, will keep them entertained so they’re less likely to scratch the furniture or pester you on a work call.
How to Build a Cat Window Box
This video shows you how to build a cat window box using plywood, pre-made window screens, nails, screws, and some wood glue. It’s simple, and for those of you who aren’t super handy, it’s easy to construct.
This cat window box isn’t fixed to anything, making it ideal for renters, or those who want to move it to different windows around their home. It sits inside a double hung window frame, the bottom of the window resting on the top of the box. Take a look below:
This DIY window cat box is simple, made by Cat Toy Lady. She refers to it as a cat balcony. She uses a staple gun in ways I have not seen before, but it makes for a budget friendly item that also isn’t fixed to your home. Using dollar store items, some simple pine timber, plywood, and spray paint, it also includes a cat flap as a door.
It takes a more planning than the video above, as it is made to fit your exact window dimensions. If you watch to the end of the video, she shows you how she measures her window frame to fit the cat box, which also helps to secure it in place so it won’t fall out.
This post contains affiliate links from Chewy. As an Amazon Affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
It is worth mentioning that both of these windows are hung windows that lift upwards. If you have a horizontal sliding window, you might want to consider something like the Patio Pacific cat door for horizontal windows. You can choose from four different window heights.
I also found this fence window when browsing Amazon. It would be perfect for a bubble window box. Made from acrylic, it measures 12.4 x 4.7 inches. You could easily mount this onto a piece of plywood cut to fit inside your window frame. Add a ledge for your kitty to perch on and stare out through the bubble at the world outside.
Buying a Cat Window Box Kit
If you prefer to buy a ready made product, here are some options to consider:
Indoor Cat Window Box
K & H Pet Products make good quality indoor cat enrichment items such as window sill mounts, hanging condos and door mounts. Browse their cat range on Amazon, or at Chewy. I’ve also selected my favorite cat window items below:
Your cat can sleep on top of this window box or inside. Holding up to 50lbs of weight and with a ledge for your cat to jump on. Mounted with suction cups, suitable for windows or glass doors up to 24 inches wide and 34 inches high. Portable, removable and no tools required. This is available at Amazon via the button, or at Chewy via this link.
This indoor cat window bubble pod is a safe space for your cat to explore the outside world, or sit looking back into your home. It measures 27 inches x 20 inches and is 7.5 inches deep. Holds cats up to 60lbs in weight. Available at Chewy via the button or Amazon via this link.
Perfect for apartments, this perch suction cups to windows for your cats to gaze out during the day. At night, it folds flat, allowing blinds to be closed over the top. It’s inexpensive, and available in tiers – choose from a single level perch, up to 4 tiers in height. It is available at Amazon via the button, or at Chewy via this link.
Outdoor Cat Window Box
Catio Spaces offer cat window box plans with step by step instructions to build your own wall mounted cat window box. It can either sit flush with your window sill or below your window sill, depending on your requirement. You can also buy cat window box build plans on etsy.
Also check out this video below by DIY Xplorer, where he builds a 12ft long outdoor cat window box that fits between two windows. He also installs it onto a brick wall, so for those of you with brick homes, this is a good video to watch. This pocket hole jig is on my must buy list after watching how easy it looks in the video!
One thing to note is the cost was around $300 and it took about 2 weeks to build, part time. They used pet safe mesh to screen in the cat enclosure, but it has been scratched already and damaged by the cats. Using a woven wire mesh will be more durable.
If you prefer to buy an outside cat window box, take a look at this one below from Habitat Haven:
A wire mesh window box that fixes to the outside of your home.
Choose from a range of heights and lengths to suit your budget and needs. Can be built upon with other Habitat Haven products such as catios and tunnel systems.
Cat Solarium
If you have the budget, this done for you cat solarium on Etsy is ideal to place in your window. Crafted from acrylic plexiglass with built in air vents on each side:
Available in sizes small to x-large to fit windows 16 inches to 44 inches wide. Each solarium box is 18 inches tall. Designed for vertical hung windows with a ledge your cat can jump onto and a magnetic latching cat door.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Cat Window Box
How Do You Install a Cat Window Box?
A cat window box can attach to the inside of a window with suction cups, the outside of the window with brackets or screws, or sit inside a window frame. The installation method should depend on the type of window box you buy and the surface it will be attached to.
What are the Benefits of a Cat Window Box for Cats?
Cat window boxes offer a cozy and safe spot to rest, a view of the outside world, increased exposure to natural light and fresh air, and a sense of security and comfort for your cat. Knowing that your cat is safe and living an enriched life is also beneficial for owners caring for cats.
Are Cat Window Boxes Safe for Cats?
Cat window boxes are considered safe for cats, as long as they are adequately secured within the window frame or to the exterior of the window. Ensure you cat has access to shelter and water if the cat window box will be out in the elements.
Can You Make a DIY Cat Window Box?
Yes! DIY cat window boxes can be made from wood, mesh, wire screening or plexiglass. You can buy cat window box plans online or follow one of the video tutorials in this article.
How Do You Choose the Right Size Cat Window Box for Your Cat?
Consider the size and weight of your cat as well as the size of the window or wall where you plan to mount the box. A good rule of thumb is to choose a window box that is at least as wide as your cat is long, so it has enough room to stretch comfortably.
What Type of Cat Window Box Will You Choose?
Cat window boxes are an excellent solution for cat owners to provide their pets with a place to rest and enjoy the view of the outside world. With a wide range of styles and materials available, there is a cat window box for every type of cat and home.
Not only do window box cat enclosures offer a safe and comfortable spot for your cat to relax, they provide additional wellness benefits such as increased exposure to natural light, fresh air, and a sense of security. Your cat will enjoy the outdoor scenery and you don’t have to worry about their safety.
Whether you choose a DIY cat window box or buy something online, your cat will thank you for the fun and functional addition to your home.
I’m an indoor cat convert and created My Indoor Cat to help other indoor cat owners make the best choices for their cats and kittens.