I just googled cat palm. It looks like what I call a parlor palm, an indoor plant. It does say it can be planted outside in some parts of Florida, but that it won't take direct sunlight. Maybe the person at Lowe's heard you say window and was thinking of an indoor plant for you? I can't think of anything off hand that will grow fast for you.

How about putting up a trellis and planting vines? You can make the trellis whatever size you need to hide the wall, put it just outside your window, or closer to the wall, and the structure alone will give you something better to look at. I put up a trellis 7' high x 30' long to give the back yard some instant privacy. I planted a number of different vines on it. The blue sky vine is definitely taking over and is usually covered with flowers. I'd recommend that.

Search old topics for bamboo. Several members have made excellent arguments for it as a fast growing privacy screen.

Are you looking for privacy or simply an accent/view ?

What direction does the window face ?

How much room between house/window and property line ?...and again to the other house ?

How tall from the ground is your window sight line ?

I was thinking bamboo or vines, too. Just make sure that any vines are evergreen and not deciduous.
Lori