How to Build a Cat Window for a Cat Porch

Indoor cats have a significantly longer life expectancy than outdoor cats because they are protected from cars, predators and other dangerous situations. Build a screened-in window box to make a porch for your indoor cats. Placing this porch in the window gives cats a place to enjoy fresh air, without exposing them to the dangers of being an outdoor cat. Porches are the size of a window air conditioner unit and can be removed. The window and frame help secure the box in place, making it a sturdy place for your cats to lounge.

Things You'll Need

  • 3/4 inch plywood measured to fit your window dimensions
  • 24, 2 1/2 inch stainless steel wood screws
  • Aluminum screen kit, to make 3 screens
  • Pond mat
  • Exterior primer
  • Exterior paint to match home
  • Table saw
  • Cordless drill
  • Tape measure
  • Staple gun
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Instructions

    • 1

      Measure the window where the cat porch will be placed to determine how much wood will be needed. The cat porch should be the same dimensions as a window-unit air conditioner that would fit that window. If you are unsure how much to wood to purchase, consult your local home improvement store.

    • 2

      Cut the plywood boards into 5 equally sized pieces using the table saw. Use a pencil to mark the sides: roof, bottom, side 1, side 2 and side 3. Cut additional 1 inch wide pieces to fit around the box's front opening.

    • 3

      Cut out the center of the three sides, leaving a 1.5 inch border. This will serve as a window to secure the screens.

    • 4

      Build the screens according to the directions on the screen kits and attach the screens to the window-frame sides. On the inside of the window-frame sides, attach the screening, by screwing it into the wood. If the screws do not hold efficiently, further secure the corners using the staple gun.

    • 5

      Staple the pond mat to the inside of the roof, which helps prevent the wood from rotting in the rain.

    • 6

      Secure the sides, roof and bottom using stainless steel wood screws to form a three-sided box. Around the front opening, attach 1-inch wide strips of plywood to form a lip. This will help secure the box in the window.

    • 7

      Prime and paint the box to match the look of your home or to suit your decorating needs. Be sure to allow each coat of primer and paint to dry before applying the next coat.

    • 8

      Secure the cat porch in the window as you would a window-unit air conditioner. Open the window and place the box into the frame with the open end facing inside. Pull the window down, using the window to secure the porch. The lip around the open end seals the window and helps hold the porch in place.