Here’s a new product that could help expand your cat’s indoor territory. It’s Katio, a new concept from Katco LLC. It’s a window enclosure that fits in standard windows just like an air conditioning unit. Simple to install and made of 1″ thick ultra-sturdy molded plastic, the Katio has a clear window facing outside so kitty can watch the birds.
Inside your home, Katio has two doors that open for easy access and cleaning. One door has a cat flap installed and there’s a little ledge for kitty to perch on when entering and exiting the Katio. Because Katio is well ventilated and can be closed off from the inside of the house, you could also use it for the litter box. This would bring the litter box up to window height, making it easier to clean.
I had a few questions, so I asked the inventor of the Katio, Alden, to provide some more info. I wanted to know how secure the Katio is when installed, would it allow intruders to enter the home through the window? Would my cat be safe it the Katio? He told me that the Katio installs just like a regular AC unit (but it’s much easier because it weighs less), tucking between the windowsill and the window and locking into place. You then use screws to secure it, making it almost impossible for someone to break through from the outside. As for the safety of the cat, Alden feels confident that a cat could not be harmed when inside the Katio as long as it is properly installed.
He also told me that the plastic they will be using is double walled and UV stable, so it won’t discolor or breakdown in the sun. It’s very easy to clean with any household cleaner. The vents inside the Katio will be louvered and they will come with a winterizing cover for colder weather. The Katio will sell for around $300.
These photos are of the working prototype that Alden and his wife Kelly have been testing with their cats. Right now they are preparing to launch manufacturing with an IndieGoGo campaign. If you like this idea, please visit their campaign page and check out the perks you can get for contributing to the project. Also, if you have any questions for Alden about the Katio, please leave them here and I’ll make sure he answers them for you. You can also follow the progress of the project on mykatio.com and on the Katio Facebook page.
Once the company is up an running, they plan to donate a portion of the profits to five great animal rescues.
Do you have a design for windows that open vertically (other than plywood!)
Tina, my patent actually covers vertical sliding windows as well as my original design allows you to rotate the Katio 90 degrees with a slightly different configuration. With the current manufacturing process it doesn’t allow for rotating the unit we’re using, so we’re working on a separate slider window version to put on the market once we get the standard Katio & Dogio on the market this year! Please follow us on Twitter, http://mykatio.com and sign up for our Mews Letter here to keep up with the latest “mews” – http://mykatio.com/kommunity/
Alden
Kate, thanks so much for your wonderful Katio article – we greatly appreciate your support! =^..^=
Don’t think my condo association would let me have one of these. Not to mention I also have vertical windows. They look really cool.
Cathy, in case you missed it, this is from my reply above –
Alden says:
March 4, 2014 at 9:54 am
Tina, my patent actually covers vertical sliding windows as well as my original design allows you to rotate the Katio 90 degrees with a slightly different configuration. With the current manufacturing process it doesn’t allow for rotating the unit we’re using, so we’re working on a separate slider window version to put on the market once we get the standard Katio & Dogio on the market this year! Please follow us on Twitter, http://mykatio.com and sign up for our Mews Letter here to keep up with the latest “mews” – http://mykatio.com/kommunity/
PetSafe makes a similar enclosure, but it has access to the open air. It’s called the PetSafe Cat Veranda. Never tried it myself, but my cats would like the fresh air (if I had a window that would work with it…)
Tricia, the Katio & Dogio are both vented to let fresh air pass through and keep odors outside. They will also come with vent covers for winterizing your Katio or Dogio. Also, the Cat Veranda is no longer available and I actually hold the patent for Window Pet Litter Housings and Pet Shetlers.
We’re also working on a separate slider and crank out window versions to put on the market once we get the standard Katio & Dogio on the market this year! Please follow us on Twitter, http://mykatio.com and sign up for our Mews Letter here to keep up with the latest “mews” – http://mykatio.com/kommunity/
Thanks
Alden
basic idea is great, but the window side would create an oven in the summer even with your ventilation. texas sun can be brutal. would be nice to have the clear window removable to put in a screen (made from pet screen) that would be inter changeable with the solid window. like the idea of getting the litter box out of the house. i’ve built a screened enclosure in my garage accessible from the laundry room. your box would be good good for this purpose as well. would like to see the box tall enough for a large cat not to hit his head on the roof part.
just a PS re the screen. to make it very safe, the side to outside could have permanent hardware cloth, say in the 1′ sq size, then the window or the screen could be slid in or out.
Is this safe for 2nd level windows? And what is the max weight it can handle?
Lindsey, yes, we’ve been testing it with our 3 cats – one of which weighs 14lbs and about 3ft long – in 3 windows, 2 of which are on our 2nd floor – for about a year now without issue. Once you install your Katio in the window, it’s locked in from the inside, so it’s actually safe on any level. Max weight is over 200lbs in testing, but even with your cat and 5lbs of litter, you’ll never come close to overloading the Katio.
You can watch the video on our Indiegogo Katio Kampaign here – http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/katio-dogio-merch-kampaign
Thanks
This is fantastic! I have been thinking of just such a device for years – so glad someone is finally making it!! Will there be an option for windows that open horizontally vs. vertically? Love it!!!
Thanks for the enthusiasm Jennifer! Yes, if you read my replies above, we’re working on a vertical slider and crank out window version as well.
=^..^=
This is a great idea. There are two things though that would improve my chances of buying it: 1) Allowing cats to see out of the sides too, to some extent. That would dramatically increase how much of their kingdom they could survey. It would be nice to have a way to shade the windows as necessary from hot summer sun. 2) Allow in fresh air. The unit shown seems to be completely enclosed. For safety, I would have some sort of secure wire fencing as well as a bug-proof screen.
I have old sill-less windows in the second story of my home. I do not open those windows for the cats because even though there are screens, I don’t know how secure they are. I worry about the cats falling. I’d love to install something like this that would allow them secure access to fresh air and a great view! I have a catio, but my backyard is minuscule and fenced. There isn’t much for the cats to see. I’m sure they would love having another “outdoor” vantage point.
Kimberly, we’re also working on a version where there will actually be 3 windows – the rear and one on each side – but we first have to get the standard version out. Once we release the 3 window version, it will be a purchase option to simply swap out the top half of the Katio or Dogio unit for the 3 window version and re-install it back into your window. The Katio will also have louvered vents with screens on both sides – allowing the odors out and fresh air to pass through. It will also come with vent covers for winterizing your Katio as well. As for shade, you could always tint your Katio window 🙂
Thanks for your input and questions and please check out our Katio Kampaign and site here –
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/katio-dogio-merch-kampaign
http://mykatio.com/
Thanks for your input!
Alden
Thanks Alden!
What a great idea! I know my cat would love it! However, at that price she would need to get a job to help pay for it. Just a little out of our price range. We could possibly go half that. But believe me, I think it is well worth what you are asking!
Jill, us too! We thought we’d be able to be at the $199 price point until we got to the reality of manufacturing cost. As production ramps up in our second year, we may actually be able to reach that goal via high volume! However, the Katio and Dogio will both be Made in America!
Thanks for your great input!
Alden
There was a very similar product made and sold by PetSafe (petsafe.net) but they discontinued it a few years ago. I purchased one but the kit was too narrow for my window and I gave it to a friend. I believe she loved it — she’s back east now. Also, before I installed it I had it on a table and my two cats (who may not be very bright) never figured out that it was something to enter into.
I love this! It’s a great idea! I wonder if it could be used in the reverse? We have an outside cat, and I worry when it gets cold. I would let her in, but she tears up the house. By having the kitty door to the outside, she could come into a little boxed in area that absorbed heat from the house? Anyways, great idea!
Uhh, I’m pretty sure property damage is a small price to pay for knowing your companion animal is safe and warm inside.
Hi Jennifer, I designed the Katio for the exact opposite reason – to give indoor cats a way to see and smell the outdoors as well as get fresh air – while remaining safely indoors. So, no, the Katio wouldn’t work in reverse, but you may want to consider getting your outdoor cat a small dog house with some blankets for the cold months.
Thanks for the compliment!
Alden
There are shelters made specifically for cats outside to keep them safe and warm. Often used for feral cats who don’t like humans. If your cat is human oriented there is no reason here she should be kept outside. Please find her a good home that’s inside or let her in your house and give her scratching posts and keep her claws trimmed. She will learn and will settle down. Her life depends upon it, outdoor only cats die fast and lead miserable lives.
This is not true at all. Outdoor only cats can live a healthy, safe, happy life just as much as indoor only cats. There are catios and such and ventilation things built specifically for outdoor cats. Heating pads and blankets help too. She’s in a loving home. But yes, I agree, your cat wouldn’t be tearing up the house if it had proper scratchers, and toys and perches and such. Like this. If she has separation anxiety, just play with her and tire her out before you leave and don’t make a big deal out of you leaving. Let me know if you have any questions! (Cat mom and shelter volunteer) 🙂
Here’s the link for the protected kitty cabin:
http://www.katkabin.com/premium-combination-katkabin.htm
Otherwise, the regular cabin without the insulation is on clearance at Fab.com for $45.00. Then you could buy the insulation from the first website for $24.99.
Maybe she tears up the house BECAUSE you don’t let her in? I could never let my cat outside for fear she might test stuff up. I agree, a scratched up couch is NOTHING compared to a safe, warm, happy kitty. 🙂 Please keep her inside!<3 She deserves it. Keep her claws trimmed but DO NOT DECLAW HER!:(
What a great idea! I have always wanted something like this for my cats. Unfortunately, the price will be too steep for my budget. But I wish Katio all the luck in the world.
They have different catios sold in other places. Look them up and you’ll find some. 🙂 As for a window, look-through type of thing like this, I’d still say look up more. Or have a place customize one for you that you can afford. Goodluck!
Hi Roxanne! This was my response yesterday concerning pricing from above –
Alden says:
March 4, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Jill, us too! We thought we’d be able to be at the $199 price point until we got to the reality of manufacturing cost. As production ramps up in our second year, we may actually be able to reach that goal via high volume! However, the Katio and Dogio will both be Made in America!
Thanks for your great input!
Alden
You know we’ve been going through the mother of all winters. At 5 below zero I don’t think my kitty would like it.
Betty, so did we and we had our Katio prototype in the window the whole time without issue. Once the actual Katio & Dogio products come to market, they’ll be completely insulated and winterized!
I would for sure buy this if the front area could open to a screen. Also, the sides need to be see-through, otherwise the cat is not gaining any vantage points. Please consider!
Hi Amy, actually the side windows are already in the works as add-on options, but when you say open to a screen, do you mean where the plexiglass is or the doors on the inside?
Thanks for your input!
Alden
In Florida we have super WIDE windows, how wide are the sides expandable to? And with the litter box in, doesn’t look like there is much room for a bigger cat (Maine Coon) to do both (use the box and sunbathe), how long is it, and can that be made extendable?
Hey LIa, our current design allows for a minimum 24″ and 48″ wide. How wide are your windows? The measurements are at the very top of the post 24″W x 22″ D x 18″ H. Also, we have a very large cat that’s 14lbs and 3ft long and he fits in the Katio easily. Also, you could always buy one Katio to use as a litter box and one just for a window perch. If you used just one, there’s 1/3 of the width left on the side of the litter box, but please look at the images above or check out our IndieGoGo Katio Kampaign and our website here –
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/katio-dogio-merch-kampaign
http://mykatio.com/
Thanks
Alden
Will these have more side exposure? Has there been a price reduction yet?