Cats are wonderful, unique, and very picky. If you're a cat parent, you know that cat litter boxes can be an eyesore in your stylish home.
DIY cat litter furniture can be cost-effective, eco-friendly, and easy to use if you're trying to hide your cat litter box. With the proper planning, DIY cat litter box furniture can also be easy to maintain, and your furbaby just might love it.
Cats need a specific environment to go potty comfortably, and with years of testing out the best DIY cat litter box furniture, we have the best ideas for you. With plenty of DIY options, one notable trend is the increased demand for stylish, eco-friendly, repurposed cat litter box furniture. Here's the takeaway:
DIY Litter Box Furniture Ideas
Always consider simple things like adding a very large front door (cats keep growing) and a removable opening to allow for fast scooping and easy access. You can also line the interior of cabinets, benches, and dressers with a cat potty pad under the litter to protect the furniture and keep it clean.
You can be as creative as you like while giving your cats a private and safe space to do their business. However, before you begin, there are a few things to consider:
- Where does your cat like his litter box?
- Will he adapt to where you place the DIY litter box furniture?
- Are you a multi-cat home?
- Will you be using an open cat litter box or a covered litter box?
- How often do you clean out your cat litter boxes?
- What are the best places in your home for DIY cat litter furniture?
- Can you easily clean out your litter box with DIY litter box furniture?
Upcycled Furniture Ideas
Repurposed Dressers or Cabinets
If you have dated dressers or cabinets, why not use them to repurpose them into stylish cat box litter furniture? You can remove the drawers and add a spacey doorway for easy access.
This practical solution for concealing the litter box also adds a unique, upcycled touch to your decor.
Dressers and cabinets are easily transformed into discreet litter box homes and give your cat plenty of privacy. Try to find a cabinet with two doors and no drawers to save time. With this type of cabinet, all you'll need to do is add a cat door for your furbaby.
Don't forget to paint the exterior to match your room's decor and to drill small holes for ventilation. By adding cushions on top, you get to have a fun bench seat to enjoy with your furbaby. For more details, check out this post.
Enclosed Bench
This is another functional piece of furniture that allows for a suitable litter box enclosure. The liftable top allows for fast and easy cleaning, and all you need to do is remove the middle divider and make a large enough custom side entry kitty door.
Some DIYers add a washable mat or liner inside to contain any mess and make the area even easier to maintain. You can even place cushions on top to make it a dual-purpose seat. For more details, check out this blog post.
Hide a Litter Box Inside a Wicker Basket
Oftentimes, when we shop for litter box furniture, there's not much that we like. If you're looking for a cost-effective and easy way to make a cat litter box enclosure, use a wide wicker chest or picnic hamper.
The Ikea chest only needs an entrance side cut-out. You can style the top of this with some cushions, but it might be a hassle removing all the items each time you clean the litter. For more details, read more.
Large Plastic Crate for Hiding Litter Box
This is also another fantastic and affordable idea. A large plastic crate gives your cat private space and keeps your place tidy.
Simply make an entrance spot on one end of the bin and attach a cat door for easy access. For better airflow, consider adding some extra holes inside for optimal ventilation.
Use the Side Table to Hide Away the Cat Litter Box
This is not something that every cat parent may want to consider, but if you're tight on space, it's a practical solution for your litter box. Look for a table with an open underside or closed storage, and then cut a circular side large enough for your cat to fit through. All you need to do is add a short curtain in your favorite fabric to keep the litter box out of sight.
Low Traffic Areas in Your Home
Even if you don't have much room in your home to hide your cat litter box furniture, there are always creative ways to hide your litter box. Many cats are perfectly happy with their cat litter box furniture in the bathroom or laundry room.
Litter boxes with lowered- easy access entrances and standard rectangular models make it easy for cats to jump over the sides to get in. These work well in litter box cat furniture placed in small spaces like hallways and laundry rooms with not too much traffic.
ASPCA
The ASPCA says that at least 10% of cats will develop elimination problems. Some cats will even stop using the litter box altogether.
"Once a cat avoids her litter box for whatever reason, her avoidance can become a chronic problem because the cat can develop a surface or location preference for elimination—and this preference might be to your living room rug or your favorite easy chair, " explains the ASPCA.
The ASPCA recommends prevention by making your cat litter box as cat-friendly as possible. You should also pay close attention to your cat's elimination habits and problems so that you can take care of cat elimination issues when they are happening.
Where To Hide Your Cat Litter Box Furniture?
Your cat's litter box cat furniture should be kept in a room that is quiet and safe from other pets and young children. It should be quick and easy for a cat to access.
Places like the kitchen can be noisy. You'll need to find places that are cat-friendly enough for your cat litter box furniture. Here are some of our favorite suggestions on where to hide your cat litter box.
- Beneath stairways gives a great nook feeling that’s cozy
- By the entryway, if you don’t have dogs hanging out waiting for you.
- In the laundry room, if it’s not always busy.
- Guest bedroom
- Guest bathroom
Location
If you've had to move your cat litter box furniture to another location in your home, you should watch to see how your cat reacts to this change.
Some cats are fussy and prefer using the same litter box location. Body language will also give you a clue as to whether your furbaby feels comfortable using his litter box. Some cats may not use their litter box if they feel something unfamiliar about it, like new litter box furniture. Others may take to it right away!
No matter your cat's age, if you're changing your cat’s litter box location or litter box cat furniture, it may take time for your furbaby to get used to the changes. Try to make him feel comfortable with the new location by rewarding him with treats when he uses his litter box.
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of ways to create a stylish, affordable solution for your cat’s litter box with DIY furniture options that look great in your home. Repurposing dressers, cabinets, benches, or even wicker baskets can transform litter box setups into decor that blends seamlessly with your style while offering privacy and comfort for your cat. Using eco-friendly, sustainable materials adds a unique, personal touch to your home and reduces waste—an eco-win for both you and your cat!
If your cat doesn’t initially take to the new setup, consider making small adjustments until they’re comfortable. With a little creativity, you can craft a functional, attractive litter space that your cat will love and that enhances your home’s aesthetic.
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