17 Clever Ways to Hide Your Cat's Litter Box

2024-06-26
17 Clever Ways to Hide Your Cat's Litter Box

There are several solutions to hide a litter box. By making a DIY litter box enclosure, you can prevent unwanted litter, odor, and mess around the house and give your cats a private place to do their business. 

However, before you go and rock your cat's world by moving, changing or altering the litter box area, there are a few things to consider.

  • What are your cat's preferences? Every cat has them. Do they prefer a covered litter box or an open one?
  • How many cats do you have? Each cat needs its own box, plus an extra one to decrease stress and anxiety.
  • How often are you cleaning the boxes? Have you ever had to use a portable restroom at an all-day concert before? This is how some cats view enclosed cat boxes that are not cleaned. Yeah, they think it's gross, too.
  • Do you have a cat that has arthritis or a cat that is just tiny? Don't make them jump or have to climb to get to the litter box. That makes it really hard for them when they really have to go!

Okay, now that we have thought about a few things from our feline friend's perspective, let's get creative! Here are 17 clever, original DIY ways to conceal and contain a litter box.

  • 01 of 17

    Upcycle Furniture

    This upcycled furniture project is modern, chic, clean, and perfectly suitable for a litter box. By using chalk paint and some strategic trim placement, Amanda from Domestically Creative was able to transform a dated laminate hutch into something much more suited for her home and cat. For all the details and a cute picture of her cat, William, check out her blog post.

    DIY Litter Box Cabinet from Domestically Creative

    Continue to 2 of 17 below
  • 02 of 17

    Put a Litter Box Inside a Large Basket

    We agree with Hannah from All the Little Details when she says that litter boxes are an eyesore. When she started shopping for litter box enclosures, she didn't like any of the results coming up, so she opted to convert a large wicker basket instead. She liked the wicker chest idea because the enclosure feels airy and light, and the top door makes every-other-day cleaning easy. Visit her guide to learn how the cat door was added.

    Ikea Litter Box Hack from All the Little Details

    Continue to 3 of 17 below
  • 03 of 17

    Build a Mini Cat House Litter Cover

    This cat tutorial from A Beautiful Mess isn't just about function; it's about aesthetics as well. The genius behind the idea wanted to upgrade the look of a basic litter enclosure and make it feel more like a cherished piece of home decor. Do you think they succeeded? If so, head on over to the blog post to learn how to make one for yourself and your cat.

    Litter Box Cover DIY from A Beautiful Mess

    Continue to 4 of 17 below
  • 04 of 17

    Keep the Litter Cabinet Organized

    If you can find a cabinet with two doors and no drawers, you can make concealing a litter box a lot less cumbersome. Instead of needing to remove and convert any drawers, all you'll need to do is add a cat door. We love how Danae from The Homebody House organizes her litter storage area. She hung the litter pan on the inside of the cabinet door and stored other essentials on the top shelf.

    DIY Cat Litter Cabinet from The Homebody House

    Continue to 5 of 17 below
  • 05 of 17

    Paint a Pattern on a Basic Litter Box Cover

    After renovating her home, the last thing Ashley from Sugar & Cloth wanted was for her cat, Thomas, to ruin all the upgrades with his litter habits. To combat the problem, she purchased a litter robot, which she talks about in detail, and then crafted a box to cover the litter box up. She also suggests that there are covers available that you could paint if you don't want to go through the trouble of making a box from scratch. Check out her blog to find out how you can make your own patterned cover.

    Patterned DIY Litter Box Cover from Sugar & Cloth

    Continue to 6 of 17 below
  • 06 of 17

    Remove Drawers and Install a Hinged Door

    Giving a piece of furniture a makeover is one thing, but giving it an entirely new function is another. When you're searching for old furniture to repurpose for a cat cave, opt for pieces with a lot of interior space. Lisa from Recaptured Charm made this cabinet more suitable by removing two drawers and adding a hinged door. The larger door makes cleaning the litter box a much easier process. Find out how she did it, and how to do it yourself.

    Old Cabinet Makeover for Litter Box from Recaptured Charm

    Continue to 7 of 17 below
  • 07 of 17

    Install a Cat Door in Wardrobe Cabinet

    The simplest way to hide a litter box is to look for furniture pieces you already have but might be underutilizing. Dana from House Tweaking decided to clean out the bottom shelf of a tall wardrobe cabinet and add a cat door to the side. When finding a cat door to work for this purpose, make sure it can be installed on a thin panel. For more details, read the rest of Dana's breakdown on her blog.

    DIY Hidden Litter Box from House Tweaking

    Continue to 8 of 17 below
  • 08 of 17

    Drape Fabric Around an End Table

    When attempting this project, make sure you pick an end table that can fit over the top of your existing litter box with ease. The more space you have, the less likely that litter is going to end up everywhere. Jennifer from Dimples and Tangles transformed this Morrocan-style accent table using black spray paint and some striped fabric. Find out how she adhered the fabric to the table by visiting her tutorial.

    Side Table to Hidden Litter Box from Dimples and Tangles

    Continue to 9 of 17 below
  • 09 of 17

    Add Curtains to a Console Table

    If you are into woodworking, then this concealed litter box idea might be perfect for you. Scott from Saws on Skates made an unused console table virtually unrecognizable by building doors and curtain panels and salvaging only the butcher block top and legs. Check out the detailed tutorial for easy-to-follow furniture plans complete with diagrams.

    DIY Kitty Litter Cabinet from Saws on Skates

    Continue to 10 of 17 below
  • 10 of 17

    Build a Custom Kitty Litter Box

    Lindsay from A Design Story decided to build a custom litter box for her cat, Tebow. She originally had the litter box in the guest bathroom, but she quickly got tired of litter making its way into the bath and other hard-to-clean spots. By making a box, they were able to customize the size and contain all the litter inside. Get all the intel on how they did it on their blog.

    DIY Kitty Litter Box from A Design Story

    Continue to 11 of 17 below
  • 11 of 17

    Use the Inside of a Bench for Kitty Litter Storage

    This bench that doubles as a litter box started as a toy box from Ikea. After some shopping, Alewood Furniture Co realized it was cheaper to tweak the toy box than it was to buy a litter box enclosure of the same size. To convert the piece, they added an opening to the side that was large enough for their cat, Lola, and then sanded down the edges. Make it yours by checking out the website and learning more.

    DIY Cat Litter Box Furniture from Alewood Furniture Co

    Continue to 12 of 17 below
  • 12 of 17

    Convert a Bedroom Dresser Into Litter Box Storage

    Bethany from Reality Daydream acquired this vintage dresser for next to nothing and wasn't sure what she was going to do with it. When some new kittens came into the family, she didn't hesitate to convert the find into a concealed litter box cabinet. Check out her step-by-step guide to find out how she converted a pair of drawers into a door.

    Little Dresser Turned Litter Dresser from Reality Daydream

    Continue to 13 of 17 below
  • 13 of 17

    Repurpose a Tote for a Larger Litter Box

    If your cat is an avid scratcher, you might be familiar with litter-flinging behavior that causes litter inside a standard litter box to end up everywhere. Kristi from Addicted 2 Decorating has a cat that does exactly that, so she decided to repurpose a storage bin to create a litter box with high sides. The litter is contained and the new box fits inside a utility cabinet. Find out how to make it yourself by checking out her website.

    This Really Is a Post About a Cat Litter Box from Addicted 2 Decorating

    Continue to 14 of 17 below
  • 14 of 17

    Add Playful Decals Outside the Cat Door

    Julia from Cuckoo 4 Design created some clever cat decals for outside the litter box, and one of her customers used these decals on an incredible concealed cat litter box set up. The cat owners converted an Ikea cabinet into a cat's dream bathroom complete with fans and a motion sensor night light. We encourage you to read the post in its entirety. You will be blown away by the level of detail that went into this project.

    Amazing LItter Box Enclosure from Cuckoo 4 Design

    Continue to 15 of 17 below
  • 15 of 17

    Put the Cat Door on the Top of a Cabinet

    Many cat owners opt for litter box enclosures that have top entry instead of entry on the side. One reason for this is that the top entry makes it less likely that litter will find its way outside the litter box. Andrea submitted this cat litter hack to Ikea Hackers and shows readers how she converted this cabinet into a concealed litter box for her small apartment. You have to see it for yourself.

    Another Cat Litter Solution from Ikea Hackers

    Continue to 16 of 17 below
  • 16 of 17

    Create a Cat Walk to Remove Excess Litter

    Do you absolutely hate any sign of litter in your house? If so, extra precautions can be taken. By making a cat litter box that has two levels, you're better able to control the litter on your cat's paws. A mesh-like cat walk will collect excess litter as your cat makes your way outside of the litter box. Check out this step-by-step for all the details.

    Hidden Litter Box with De-littering Cat Walk from Instructables

    Continue to 17 of 17 below
  • 17 of 17

    Invest in Litter Box Furniture

    Not a DIYer? Don't worry, there are plenty of litterbox furniture pieces already on the market. From nightstands and benches to planters and coffee tables, there are options that take care of your cat's needs while fitting seamlessly into nearly any decor. Most are designed to be easy to access and clean—while hiding your pet's bathroom in plain sight.

FAQ
  • How do I hide the litter box from my dog?

    There are a number of ways to keep your dog away from the cat's litter box. Easy fixes include using a covered litter box, placing the litter box in a high place your dog does not have access to, and keeping the box exceptionally clean. Another way is to keep the box inside a cabinet only the cat can access, or place it behind a pet gate so your dog doesn't have access.

  • How do I hide litter box smell?

    To get rid of litter box aroma, start by scooping daily. Make sure yours is in a well-ventilated area and add baking soda to the litter. Wash the box weekly with a vinegar and water solution to tackle any odors.

  • Do cats like hidden litter boxes?

    Studies show that cats do not care if their litter box is covered or not. However, if your cat is repeatedly having accidents, there's probably something about their litter box set up they don't like.

Related Article

Common Injuries in Dogs and How to Treat Them

Common Injuries in Dogs and How to Treat Them

Learn about the most common injuries in dogs—whether in their legs, spine, tail, or eye—and how you should treat them with this helpful list.
How to Calm a Panting Dog

How to Calm a Panting Dog

Learn how to calm a dog’s breathing when they’re panting or breathing too fast. Dogs may breathe fast for several reasons. Know when to call the vet and how to determine if it’s an emergency.
Common Antibiotics for Dogs

Common Antibiotics for Dogs

Antibiotics are commonly used in dogs to treat a variety of infections. Learn about some common types of antibiotics for dogs, what conditions they treat, potential side effects, and safety information.
Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

The Petit Basset Griffon Vendéen, or PBGV for short, is a small, shaggy-coated scent hound from France. Known for their charming personality and cuddly appearance, Petit Basset Griffon Vendéens are outgoing, confident, and proud dogs.
Golden Retriever: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Golden Retriever: Dog Breed Characteristics & Care

Learn about the golden retriever, one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. It is known for its loyalty, enthusiasm, and sweet, bright eyes.
Becoming a Show Dog: Getting Started

Becoming a Show Dog: Getting Started

Do you have the perfect puppy? Have you considered showing her in a dog show? There's much more to showing than showing up! Here's how to get started.
How to Train Your Dog to Go to Its Place

How to Train Your Dog to Go to Its Place

Training your dog to go to its bed or place is a great way to get it to settle down quickly. Learn how to get your dog to follow the place command.
Myths and Superstitions About Black Cats

Myths and Superstitions About Black Cats

Black cats have played a major role in folklore, superstition, and mythology for centuries. Learn the origins behind these black cat stories.
Devon Rex: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Devon Rex: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Devon rex is a unique breed known for their unique appearance, including large ears, big eyes, and a short, wavy coat. They are active and friendly cats who make a great fit for most families. Learn more about the Devon rex cat breed.
Birman: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

Birman: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

The Birman is a medium- to large-sized cat breed that has a stocky body and a quiet demeanor. Learn more about this kind-natured cat.
Reasons Why Your Cat Acts Crazy and How to Stop It

Reasons Why Your Cat Acts Crazy and How to Stop It

Cats do some strange things. Learn the reasons why your cat may run around acting crazy and find out if it's something you should be concerned about.
Why Cats Eat Litter and How to Stop It

Why Cats Eat Litter and How to Stop It

Eating litter is not uncommon in kittens, but it may be a sign of health problems in adult cats.
How to Discipline Your Cat the Right Way

How to Discipline Your Cat the Right Way

Cats are mischievous but sometimes they also misbehave. Learn how to safely and effectively discipline a cat and positively change their behavior.
Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm in Cats

Ringworm in cats is a fungus similar to athlete's foot in humans. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.
Signs of Heat in Cats

Signs of Heat in Cats

A cat in heat will show several physical and behavioral signs. Here's how to tell if your cat is in heat and how to care for her during this time. Learn the signs and how to prevent pregnancy, even if her cycle has begun.
What to Do if Your Cat Is Snoring

What to Do if Your Cat Is Snoring

Cat snoring can happen for several reasons. Find out if your cat's snoring is normal or caused by a medical issue. Know when to call the vet about your cat snoring.
Is Lavender Safe for Cats?

Is Lavender Safe for Cats?

Are cats safe around lavender? Find out how lavender affects cats and what to do if your cat is exposed to it.
Hyperlipidemia in Cats

Hyperlipidemia in Cats

Hyperlipidemia is an abnormally high level of fat in a cat's bloodstream. Learn the causes, treatment, and prevention.
275 Best Male Cat Names for Your Handsome Kitty

275 Best Male Cat Names for Your Handsome Kitty

There are plenty of male cat names to choose from if you’re looking to add a new tomcat to the family. Here are 275 of our favorite choices for male cat names.
Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?

Can Dogs Eat Raw Chicken Feet?

What are the potential health benefits of chicken feet for dogs? What are the risks?