Maybe just a hint to get you thinking out of the box, but cat doors really don't need to be at ground level. They will happily climb somewhere to get in and out.
this post was submitted on 19 Jun 2025
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That seems like it would work quite well! Especially if the patio screen guarantees other critters won't try to come in.
Not sure what tools you have access to but If you have a table saw you can cut a notch into the wood for the plexi before you assemble the frame.
Seems fine. If you don't need to see out that part of the window you could just put the flap in a piece of plywood. Check the scrap bin at Lowe's for one that's close to the right size. Maybe put adhesive weatherstripping around the edge to hold it in well.
How did you net it? We have a small side yard that's fenced/gated. I've been wondering how i could cover it to give my kitties a play zone.
My apartment patio is covered, so I have some tall jacks that hold the corners, I stapled across the top, and at the bottom I used velcro ties to hold the net to the gate.
I have built a few standalone catios as well. I usually use goat wire as I've had some issues with chicken wire before, staple it to whatever frame I'm using, and then add an exterior aesthetic frame to the outside to help hold everything in place and to look much nicer.
I just helped my folks turn a porch into a catio - we used a layer of chicken wire on the inside with a layer of fabric bug screen on the outside. Years ago one of our cats got startled and ran right through a screen on our screen porch (fell one story into deep snow and kept right on going. He was fine, my dad was pissed). For this one we built wooden frames and stapled the screen and chicken wire on and attached those to the porch with wood screws. You could run slats from house to fence for support.
That's a good idea. I bet i can find pics or videos.
I've seen plenty of people who did the plywood thing, works fine. Weather stripping is recommended if you have lots of bugs (or are otherwise bothered by any intrusions).
If you want to see out that portion of the window, I recommend still using a plywood frame for where the door is, and plexiglass above it.