This thing was a case of how many monkeys does it take to install a window unit. Apparently three of us. Though that is perhaps because the design wasn't made for our windows. No matter, we got in and functioning.Perhaps it was the product images that showed two cats that deceived the eye into thinking it was bigger. Or perhaps it is just that our cat is an absolute monster. But he barely fits inside with the door left on top of him. Still it gives him that outside enrichment which is all I can ask for. Still an excellent purchase for my indoor, meowing behemoth.

This is a great window catio. It's pretty much one piece, so no assembly, other than a snap in ledge. I like the fact that I dont have to worry about other critters getting to my cats while they are in the catio. It's very well built, lightweight and sturdy. I only wish the expansion panels had screw holes on the bottom too. This company is amazing as well. Fast response to my email and the communication is wonderful.

I could not be happier with this product! Super easy to install comes fully assembled thank goodness I'm so tired of having to put everything that you purchase on Amazon together. The one thing I found did not work the way it should is the screen they provide. It does not stay on the hooks and it's not tight enough this is where duct tape comes in handy and works beautifully! My cat took about a week to get used to it. I just kept picking him up and putting him in there he would immediately leave, then I threw a treat in there he went in and ate it and immediately left, but by day four of me putting him in there he finally decided to go in himself and I actually have now every morning he wants to see what the heck the birds and the squirrels are doing outside! Despite looking huge it has a very low outside profile so if you're in an apartment you don't have to worry that it's going to be an issue if neighbors have to pass your unit to get to stairs. I will say I did have to duct tape the cat door up my cat did not like going through it but that's personal preference. Do not hesitate this thing is fantastic!

My little cat Lexi loves it. At just under 10 pounds, it's the perfect size for her. Very secure in the window. I don't have to worry about her somehow getting out. Slide out side panels sealed good to keep bugs out. We had bad storms including hail and 70 mph winds the 1st night it was installed and I found it undamaged the next morning, other than a little water on the floor I quickly wiped up. Installing the bug screen was a bit difficult, but I have large hands. Had it unboxed and installed in the window in under 30 minutes. My cat climbed in right away. I ordered the VistaGato, and I like being able to close the door. Yes I could have bought materials and built my own. But this is a fast, easy and portable option at a good price that works good for me. Pay attention to the weight rating. I wouldn't try it for a cat larger than recommended since the space could be tight. There's plenty of room for my cat, but she is small weighing a little less than 10 pounds. Gives her the sense of outdoor freedom, while keeping my baby safe and secure.

I’ll be honest: “best” does not mean ideal. Over the years I have done exhaustive research and purchased a few. I’ve yet to find any with no issues, and that includes the Vistagato. With both pros and cons, it nonetheless ranks at the top of my list at this point.First, the cons:1. It was not for me as easy to install as the description and video led me to believe. Directions are minimal, though the design is intuitive and didn’t take much brain power to figure out the bit of assembly required. Ideally a second set of hands would have been helpful in the initial positioning into the window frame.2. The accordion extension panels have no locking device so that when extended they have a tendency to retract back in.3. There were a number of areas around the perimeter of the unit that allowed for some air leakage, so I used foam insulation strips to get as air-tight a seal as possible. Fortunately I already had some and did not have to purchase any.4. The screen does not fit as well as it should. Ideally it should come pre-assembled in a frame with a waterproof seal that then gets screwed into the unit.5. There are in my opinion insufficient holes in the bottom to drain rain water that might enter through the screens and as well there is no lock on the flap door for those times one doesn’t want your cat to have access.All in all it took me about two hours of finagling and tweaking to get it to the point I was satisfied with the installation.Now the pros:1. All commercially made catios are ridiculously expensive for what they are. That said, the Vistagato ranks as one of the quality models with a lower (if not the lowest) price.2. Some reviews claim that the unit is “flimsy.” I disagree. While it is indeed plastic and light weight, it feels quite solid and can easily hold up to reasonable use.3. The screening material is reinforced/cat-proof so that even the sharpest claws cannot rip it and allow for escape.4. The translucent neutral color is relatively unobtrusive and looks much like a window air conditioner.5. The interior is quite roomy. My boy is bigger than most cats but he can easily recline for a leisurely nap.6. The entire front of the unit opens to allow for easy cleaning and changing the cushion I put down for total comfort. As well, the flap door is removable if desired.7. I have always provided my exclusively indoor cat with an enriched environment that includes two other catios and perches/cat trees in every window. It literally took my guy about 45 seconds to check out his new catio and promptly make himself at home. That alone is a trustworthy endorsement.8. FANTASTIC customer relations!! I contacted the seller and offered some constructive criticism for product improvement. He responded to my email very graciously and thanked me for providing my feedback. It is rare these days as a customer to feel heard and appreciated. I felt valued and would rank them as world-class in terms of customer satisfaction. I feel sure that if I had a problem he would not hesitate to assist.Just to note, as I already had a little perch in the window sill with which my cat was previously familiar I chose to keep it there and not use the “porch” that came with the unit.Bottom line: my cat loves it, so I do as well. I can confidently say, given my years of experience with cat furniture, the Vistagato is a solid value. Cats are typically cautious about new things, so expect that it may take some time and training to get your kitties comfortable with a catio and/or flap door. As with any training and familiarization, patience is key.

I wanted to love this product. BUT. Pieces came broken and trying to install plastic broke too. Very flimsy. It’s just not worth spending all the money for it not to be sturdy.Update. Definitely returning. Do not buy.