Last updated May 18, 2021
Key Takeaways
- Even the most well-cleaned cat box can be a stinky eyesore at times
- DIY bloggers have lots of ideas for hiding the litter box, including using IKEA furniture, curtains, wine crates, and more.
Even the most well-cleaned cat box can be a stinky eyesore at times – pets have to do their business somewhere, after all. The most obvious solution seems to be placing the litter box out of sight, with only a feline-sized entrance to give it away. With the popularity of Pinterest and independent pet bloggers, DIY projects for dogs and cats are plentiful online.
Find the perfect project to fit your space (and budget) with these creative cat litter box furniture ideas!
1. IKEA Hack Hidden Litter Box
DIY litter boxes operate on one basic principle: hide it in plain sight. Infamously ingenious blog IKEA Hackers nails it with their “FAKTUM kitty loo,” an appropriated wall cabinet turned horizontal. Placing a textured mat between the litter box and exit can help reduce cleanup by catching errant particles before they hit the carpet.
2. Wine Crate Covered Litter Box
Got some spare crates from your last trip to the winery? According to Apartment Therapy, this is Wine Case Recycling Use #37! Attach two identical crates with a hinge, making sure the opening is large enough for your feline. Using a staple gun, attach plastic lining to waterproof your litter box; choose a sturdy material that will resist cats’ determined digging. For even more leak protection, paint crates with the sealant or stain of your choice.
3. Repurposed Cabinet Cat Center
For pet parents who are especially short on space, a “cat center” does triple duty, not only hiding the litter box but storing pet supplies and keeping cats’ bowls out of canines’ reach. Chaotically Creative‘s solution involved repurposing a rustic cabinet into cat box furniture! Once again, a textured mat is used to remove litter particles from paws. By keeping all of your cat’s supplies in one place, you minimize the risk of running out or being a packrat: everything is within sight and arm’s reach.
4. Hidden Litter Box (In Plain Sight!)
When space is a premium, you may not have the luxury of adding new cat box furniture to your home. However, this doesn’t mean a hidden box is off the table – rather, it’s under it! If you have areas going to waste, put them to work; Towne & Main utilized the area underneath a side table to store a litter box. To provide privacy for your pet – and hide Fluffy’s messes from guests – install a curtain using fabric and a staple gun. You can also give your covered litter box a mini-makeover with some paint, providing kitty with a space of her own.
5. Wicker Chest Litter Box Enclosure
This hidden litter box would look right at home in a bathroom or even a bedroom! Originally posted on Imgur, this is an easy DIY project even beginners can tackle. However, it may not be a good choice if your pet has a habit of scratching up wicker baskets… Same goes for using artificial turf, which keeps kitty’s paws clean but can cause intestinal obstructions if consumed. If you don’t have this specific container on hand, don’t worry – any sturdy trunk, bin or box you can install a cat flap in will work.
6. DIY Kitty Door to Litter Box
The ultimate in pet parent efficiency, this project from home improvement blog 896 YDC makes kitty’s business her own and cleanup a breeze. A hole was cut in the drywall, leading into a garage cabinet containing the litter box. Doors open for easy poop scooping, and any odors are contained in the cabinet – a win-win for pets and their parents!
7. DIY Cat Condo with Built-In Litter Box
Make your cat furniture multitask by attaching strips of carpet or sisal rope to serve as scratching posts! Select a fruit or wine crate that is large enough to fit Fluffy on top – or DIY your own with spare boards/pallets – and add a cushion to curl up on. Be sure to also measure your litter box so it fits snugly inside the crate, which must also be light to facilitate lifting to scoop.
8. Pallet Litter Box Enclosure
Even more rustic than the last DIY litter box, this tutorial comes from (where else?) the 99 Pallets blog. Sometimes simpler is better! Highly customizable to fit your décor and litter box size, wooden pallets are also inexpensive and easy to build with. The built-in scoop holder is an efficient touch any pet parent will come to appreciate with time.
