DIY Litter Box Enclosure: A Reader’s Creative Way of Hiding Their Cat’s Litterboxes
There are so many different types of cat litterboxes on the market, they can make your head hurt. But sometimes, even the most sophisticated models can’t fit where you’ve planned your cats’ toilet area or are just a huge eyesore. In cases like this, DIY projects come to the rescue! This post is a solution for everyone who can’t find the perfect cat toilet and are willing to get their hands dirty. Learn how to make a DIY litter box enclosure step by step.
DIY Sifting Litter Boxes
Our reader Martie wrote in to share about their DIY litter box enclosure. She thought of this DIY hidden litter box furniture project after seeing Reader DIY Litter Box Area: Kitty Potty Project for Ragdoll Cats.
I love when readers write in and share these DIY projects! It helps us learn and gain ideas that hopefully make our lives with our kitties even more harmonious.
Thanks to Martie for letting me share with you all!
We have two indoor cats. Smokey, our 7 yr old blue bicolor Ragdoll, from Liz Thurman of Bordeaux Ragdolls in Clearwater, Florida, and Buddy, our 7 yr old DSH, was a stray.
DIY Litter Box Enclosure
For litter boxes, we have to use tall plastic tubs, World’s Best Cat litter (purple bag) scoopable litter, and Buddy stands on his tiptoes when he urinates. However, they are not the prettiest things to see sitting in a room, so we built a kitty litter cabinet.
We found some used bathroom cabinets cheap on craigslist and decided to make a kitty litter cabinet in our garage.
The cat door on the yellow wall is the laundry room wall going out to the garage,e and you can see the cat door opening on the other side of the wall (garage wall).
There was some extra space, so my husband built a walkway, this gives them extra walking space to lose the litter off their feet, so they don’t track it back in the laundry room. I have a rug to put in there,e but we haven’t needed it.
My husband cut the hole in the bottom of the one cabinet for the litter box to sit down in, maybe about 4″, making it shorter in the cabinet; this gives the cats more head clearance when they jump in and out; the blue tub is the litter box, (I have since been able to start using shorter tubs.).
You can see how the litter box sits down in the hole at the bottom of the cabinet.
My husband caulked and painted everything as he went.
He used plywood for the top and cut out an area on top, and attached a screen for ventilation and light,
The door on the right is a pull-out drawer; I store the clean kitty litter, scoop, and trash bags in there.
There are hooks and latches on the doors to keep the cats in and to allow me to open up and scoop or empty the boxes.
I kept one litter box in the laundry room until we were sure they liked their new space and have since added it to the other part of the cabinet. It has been working great for over three years.
If we were to move, the cabinet could easily be made into garage storage cabinets. Some of these pics are after numerous uses for almost four years, so the cabinets aren’t spotless anymore but are working as well as day one.
The patching (on the back walls inside the cabinets) covers where the pipes and drains went through the old cabinets from their previous home. If we turn it into a storage cabinet, we have plywood to put back in the bottom of the cabinets.
The kitty litter, trash bags, scoop, a little broom, and dustpan all fit nicely in the pull-out hamper.
Thanks for letting me share.
Step by Step Instructions to Make a DIY Litter Box Enclosure
Materials Needed for Building Your Own DIY Litter Box Enclosure
A DIY litter box enclosure for a cat is a space that allows your pet the freedom to move around and urinate or defecate in a hidden place, without having to be in constant contact with the litter. Some pet parents refer to them as ‘cat rooms.’
The DIY litter box enclosure can be made from any material, but they are most commonly made in a stylish way to match your home décor. You can make them out of:
- Wood
- Metal
- Plastic.
A DIY litter box enclosure is a project that requires items, easily found in your home.
Supplies for a DIY Litter Box Enclosure
- Tall plastic tubs
- (old) Wooden cabinets
- Cat door
- Caulk and Paint
- Plywood
- Screen (for ventilation)
- Hooks and latches
- Piece of rug (optional)
This DIY litter box enclosure is super easy to put together and will save you from the spilled excess litter and its mess, and the bad smells!
Tools Needed for Cat Litter Box Enclosure
Building a DIY litter box enclosure is not as complicated as it sounds.
Here are the tools needed:
- A saw to cut the wood and plywood
- Paintbrushes
- Hammer
- Nails
- Staple gun or a Heavy-duty stapler
- Sawhorse
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Screwdriver attachment for drilling holes
- Screws
Don’t feel limited by Martie’s guidance on this DIY project. You can make your DIY cat litter box enclosure as you like. The sky is the limit!
Other things to use for your DIY Cat Litter Box Enclosure:
- Drape fabric
- Curtain
- Tension rod
- etc.
Building Your Cat Litter Box Enclosure
Building your DIY Litter Box Enclosure is a great way to keep your cat happy and healthy while maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Build the perfect DIY Litter Box Enclosure with these steps:
- Get some cheap (used) bathroom cabinets (if you don’t have your own, you can check on Craigslist).
- Choose a place with easy access and enough place to fit the cabinets.
- (Optional) If you have additional space, you can build a walkway.
- Cut a hole in the bottom of the cabinet, so you could fit your cat’s litter box in it (so it doesn’t move around and give your cats additional space for their heads).
- Cut an opening for the cat door. (If the cabinets are big or you are a multi-cat household, you can make multiple doors.)
- Caulk and paint as per your liking.
- Use plywood for the top of your cabinets.
- Make holes and attach the screen (for ventilation and light).
- Attach hooks and latches on the doors to keep the cats in your DIY litter box enclosure.
- (Optional) Put a piece of rug in front of the cat door.
FAQs about DIY Litter Box Enclosures
How do you make a DIY Litter Box Enclosure out of a storage tank?
Making a DIY litter box enclosure out of a storage container is not as hard as it sounds.
First, you will need to measure the storage container and cut the top off of it to make an opening for the cat to enter.
Then, you will need to attach a door on one side of the storage container with hinges to open it up.
How do you make a wooden cat litter box?
You can make litter box furniture from a wooden bench and an old dresser and install hinged doors.
It is important to note that you will need to create a big enough enclosure for your pet, including a kitty bench-hinged door.
You want to make sure that it has enough space to move around and stretch its legs in the DIY Litter Enclosure.
It would be best to make a litter box from an easy-to-clean material, like wood or plastic.
How do you make a hole in hard plastic without a drill?
You can use a hot glue gun to make a hole in hard plastic. This is a straightforward and effective method.
Another way would be for you to find something sharp enough to poke through your rugged plastic DIY litter box enclosure, but not so strong that it will damage anything else inside it.
Are litter box enclosures bad for cats?
Since some cats may be more sensitive to smells than others, they may find the scent of their litter box unbearable.
A DIY litter box enclosure can help your cat avoid this problem by containing the smell and keeping the litter box in an area where it is less likely to be walked on or stepped in by your cats.
Which is better open or closed litter box?
The DIY litter box enclosure is the perfect solution for those who want to keep their cats’ toilets hidden. And most of the time, it’s not only the pet owner’s decision to make but the cat’s, too.
There are cats who like to do their business privately. And there are other cats who don’t care whether their litter is covered or not.
How do you cut a hole in a plastic container?
Depending on the design of your DIY cat litter box enclosure, you might need to make multiple holes in their plastic litter containers.
Worry not because there are multiple ways to do it. Here are some of the ideas:
Using an Electric Drill to cut a hole in a plastic container
Using a Piece of String to cut a hole in a plastic container
Using a Jigsaw to cut a hole in a plastic container
Using a hacksaw to cut a hole in a plastic container
Use a circular saw
Use An Electric Drill
via Kitchenseer.com
How do you make a big hole in a plastic container?
First, you need to draw a rectangle on the plastic container to make a DIY litter box enclosure. The rectangle length should be equal to the height of your cat’s enclosure dimensions.
Then, once you have removed it, cut it out with a pair of scissors.
Then, draw another rectangle on the plastic container half as long as the previous one and cut it out. You will need two rectangles of front and side pieces for this step.
Next, you will need to make holes in both rectangles big enough for your cat to go through them quickly but not too big so they can’t be closed off when necessary.
Finally, you will need to connect these two pieces by taping them together on one side of the DIY litter box enclosure to make a complete hole pattern.
How do you cut Rubbermaid bins?
The Rubbermaid bins are durable plastic that can be cut with a utility knife.
First, cut the plastic on the long side of the container, about 2 inches from the edge. Engraving on this side allows you to use it as a door for your cat’s DIY litter box enclosure.
How do I make an enclosed cat litter box?
Cat litter box enclosures are available in pet stores. Still, most are very expensive and not practical.
A DIY litter box enclosure can be made by using inexpensive fabrics or drape fabric, and curtains. It can be made to fit any size of cat litter box and can be changed to match any décor style.
Picking the suitable material for your cat’s DIY litter box enclosure.
Some people choose to use plastic storage containers because they are easy to clean and maintain.
Others choose to use an old dresser drawer or cabinet shelf because it is made out of durable material like wood. Or they go with other pieces of furniture that have plenty of space to be turned into a DIY litter box enclosure your cats will love.
Do Cats Hate Close DIY Litter Box Cabinets?
A DIY litter box enclosure is a great way to conceal the unsightly litter box and provide your furry friend with some privacy.
However, many cat parents have reported not liking using enclosed litter boxes.
Does this mean you shouldn’t use an enclosed litter box? Of course, not! It just means you may need to try a different type of DIY litter box enclosure than what you originally intended.
Even though it’s really up to personal preference, a study shows that cats don’t really prefer one over the other. Our feline friends can be trained to use pretty much any litter box.
Do covered litter boxes smell less?
If you’re using a DIY litter box enclosure or hidden litter box, you might have experienced one of its main benefits.
Covered cat litter boxes are the best way to reduce bad cat odors in your home. And allow privacy to your feline fellow, while they’re doing their business.
How can I hide my cat litter tray?
The best way to hide a cat’s litter tray is by placing it in an enclosed space such as a cabinet, or under a desk.
Are 2 litter boxes enough for 4 cats?
Many pet owners are not sure how many litter boxes they should have for their cats. The number of litter boxes you need depends on:
The number of cats you have.
The size of the room.
Where is the best place to put a litter box?
The first step in choosing a location is to find out if there is an area that your cat prefers.
For example, some cats may like to go in a corner or against a wall. It’s best to place the DIY litter box enclosure where your feline fellow has already chosen to go rather than forcing them into another area.
If you have more than one cat, it is best to put the DIY litter box enclosures in different areas, so your kitties don’t feel it’s too crowded or feel stressed by their environment.
Why are enclosed litter boxes bad for cats?
The problem with these DIY Litter Box Enclosures is that if they’re not done right, they can cause some serious health problems for your cat.
One drawback to a covered box is that it has an obvious opening. This can give a place for your dominant cat to stalk and ambush your new kitten or a shy kitty who’s using the box.
Your dominant cat will have a door to guard. He may also poop outside the box to mark his territory. This will be a sign to other cats in the home that he’s in control.
via TheNest.com
You can avoid these situations by:
Providing multiple entrances/exits.
Cleaning it often.
Have other opened litter boxes in your house.
How often your pet uses the DIY litter box enclosure?
The general rule of thumb is one litter box per cat, plus one more.
That means if you have two cats, you will need three litter boxes (one for each cat and one extra).
Five litter boxes (one for each cat and two additions) would work best if you have four cats.
Conclusion
Thank you for your interest in the DIY litter box enclosure project! As you can see, it doesn’t cost a fortune, and it’s not complicated to build. And the best part is that you can make your cats’ DIY litter box enclosure look like it’s a part of the room. Don’t you just love it?
If you’d like to learn more about how we help busy pet owners save time, money, and sanity at home, please share with family and friends on Instagram and Facebook.
Do you have a kitty DIY project to share with Floppycats’ readers? Please contact us!
Did you like our DIY litter box project? Then, check out these other posts, too:
- LitterLocker® Litter Box With Scoop Product Review
- Blackhole Litter Mat Extra Large Product Review – Stop Litter Scatter!
- DIY Sifting Litter Boxes: Kitty Litter Box Area for Ragdoll Cats
- Litterbox.com Stainless Steel Litter Box Review
- Litter-Robot for Large Cats
Hi, I’m Jenny Dean, creator of Floppycats! Ever since my Aunt got the first Ragdoll cat in our family, I have loved the breed. Inspired by my childhood Ragdoll cat, Rags, I created Floppycats to connect, share and inspire other Ragdoll cat lovers around the world,
Wow! You and your AMAZING and creative husband thought of everything! Absolutely wonderful. Your kitties are so blessed! Thanks for sharing.♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank you Teresa. He is so patient also. I changed my mind and altered the project several times during the construction and he never complained. It works so well for us.
Thanks again,
Martie
You are so welcome Martie. Thank you so very much for sharing. If your husband gets bored and does more cat projects would love to see them as well. You are so fortunate to have such a patient husband who lets you change your mind without complaining! WOW!
Super pawesome post, Jenny!!! I also lurve this DIY project stories so much!!! 🙂 <3
Martie, first of all your kittehs are beautiful!!! Smokey reminds me so much of my Miss Pink Sugarbelle (our 5 year old Blue Lynx Bi-color Ragdoll girl)! 🙂 <3
WOW!! I am super impressed with your DIY project and your litter box system!!! Your husband did a wonderful job creating this! Great system!!! BIG CONGRATS on having such a talented hubby who can make something work like this!!! Briliant concept, design and execution!! 🙂 <3
Thank you sooo very much for sharing this amazing story with us!!! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3
Thank you for your kind words Patti. It took a lot of thinking and looking at what others have done to figure what would work best for us in a location that wasn’t being used. Thank goodness for the internet and pictures!
I just peeked at your faceb page and saw a pic of your Miss Pink Sugarbelle and she is so pretty.
Thanks again,
Martie
My pleasure, Martie!! I meant every single word, too!! Your hubby sounds like a treasure!!! Wanna swap?!!?! (I don’t think my hubby knows which end of the hammer to use…lol). And, THANK YOU for the very sweet compliment on our baby girl, Miss Pink Sugarbelle. If you search her name here on Floppycats there are more pics as well. 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love!
Patti & Miss PSB 🙂 <3