Cats are great pets.
And one of the greatest things about a feline buddy is that they poop indoors and practically toilet train themselves.
However, also one of the worst things about them is that they do poop indoors. And you, as their human owner, are stuck with the dilemma of where to put that nasty cat toilet.
Surely, you do not want your house smelling, you know, cat poop! And most certainly you do not want your guests to see an unappealing and unpleasant “thing” left somewhere inside your home, right?
Right.
So, if you are looking for some ways to hide the litter box and also give your cat privacy in doing their own business, then here are 7 creative ways you can try.
1. IKEA Hack Hidden Litter Box
A DIY litter box has a primary purpose: to hide it in plain sight. And IKEA Hackers, an infamous ingenious blogging site, nails just that purpose with their “FAKTUM Kitty Loo” which is an appropriated wall cabinet that is turned horizontal.
With a hole on one side of the cabinet, your cat can secretly enter and do his business. Placing a textured carpet or mat between the exit and litter box can help catch particles on your cat’s paw before they move outside and reduce cleanup.
2. Under the Table Litter Box
When space is questionable, you may not have the chance to get a new cat box furniture to your house. But, that does not mean that a hidden box is off the table— instead, it is UNDER it!
In case you have areas going to waste, then put them to good use. For instance, Towne & Main uses an area underneath a side table in order to store their cat’s litter box. And in order to provide the needed privacy, as well as hiding the mess from guests, they installed a curtain using a staple gun and an unused fabric.
3. Wicker Chest Enclosure
This hidden litter box will look perfect in a bedroom or even in a bathroom. This easy DIY project is originally posted in Imgur and can be tackled even by beginners.
Take note, however, that this is not a great choice for owners with cats that loves scratching up wicker baskets or artificial turfs which might cause intestinal obstruction if consumed.
But surely you can let your imagination run wild and use other alternatives such as a sturdy box, bin or trunk and just install a cat flap.
4. Repurposed Cabinet Cat Center
If your home is especially short on space, then a “cat center” can triple its purpose. Not only does it does a great job in hiding your cat’s litter box but it also stores your cat’s supplies as well as keeping your feline’s bowl or of canine’s reach.
This solution from Chaotically Creative involved repurposing a rustic cabinet to a cat box furniture. A textured mat is placed in order to remove litter particles from your feline’s paw. The cabinet keeps all your cat’s supplies in one place and minimizes the risk of being packrat or running out. Plus, everything is within your sight and arm’s reach.
5. Under the Stairs Hideout
Stairs are among the most underutilized spaces in a home, making it a great location for hiding litter boxes. Just cut a hole in the wall, place a litter box inside and install a cat door to repurpose that unused space your cat’s own private washroom.
Plus, it can also be a lounging and play area for your feline buddy or as a hideout from the grabby hands of kids.
6. Laundry Room Hideout
This one works particularly well for a renovated laundry room which often has enough storage space for hiding your feline’s litter box. Like the previous hack, you can cut a cat flap in the door under a cabinet or sink and place the litter box there.
The great thing about this is that the smell of fresh laundry can help in masking the odor of the litter box.
7. Potted Potty
If you keep plants inside your home, then it is a great way to make a kitty potty box within your potted plants. Just pick a plant pot that is large enough to be a base for your cat’s litter box. Bonus point if you can find a pot with lid. Otherwise, you will need to cut a piece of plywood that will serve as a help that closes of the top of the pot.
You can place a liner at the bottom and fill it with cat litter. Cut an opening on the side for your cat’s entrance and exit. Add a fake plant, or much better a real plant, on top and there you have it— a private bathroom for your cat that blends with the rest of your home’s floral design.
Additional Tips in Maintaining Litter Boxes
Now, these methods may have hidden your cat’s litter box, but it does not mean that they clean themselves. It is still up to you to clean and maintain the hidden litter boxes and make sure that an awful odor will not dominate your home.
1. SCOOP OUT LITTER DAILY: If you wish to prevent a smelly situation, then you will need to scoop out the litter box daily. This will prevent your feline buddy from scattering the litter in search for a clean spot.
2. WASH THE LITTER BOX REGULARLY: Scooping every day is a good start, however, if you want your cat’s litter box to not stink, then you need to wash it regularly. Ideally, you need to empty out the litterbox once a week, wash in warm water and use vinegar or baking soda to deodorize the box.
3. SWEEP AND VACUUM WEEKLY: Regularly sweeping and vacuuming can help battle the mess around a litter box. Also, utilizing a texturized mat or carpet beside the litter box can help catch litter from your cat’s paw and preventing your cat from scattering debris all over the house.
