# catlink-local: reconstructing CATLINK Open X local control

> catlink-local reconstructs the CATLINK Open X litter box's login and MQTT exchanges for local Home Assistant use. Python services answer its login request, decode heartbeats and visits, and bridge state to Mosquitto; protocol notes distinguish confirmed fields from hypotheses.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-08
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-09
- Original resource: <https://github.com/yorgossot/catlink-local>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/yorgossot/catlink-local/blob/78f275e0c210d22e96ca177285d28fd9fef10990/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/catlink-local-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/catlink-local-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/catlink-local-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** A CATLINK Open X C08 with firmware 04.22, a Linux host, local DNS routing, Mosquitto and Home Assistant are used in the documented setup.
- **Testing evidence:** The author reports testing one box and one firmware for days; many protocol fields remain unconfirmed.
- **Limits:** Commands are disabled by default and require deliberate setup and supervision around moving parts.
- **License:** Licensed under MIT.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/yorgossot/catlink-local/blob/78f275e0c210d22e96ca177285d28fd9fef10990/README.md>
2. <https://github.com/yorgossot/catlink-local/blob/78f275e0c210d22e96ca177285d28fd9fef10990/docs/PROTOCOL.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.