DIY cat litter boxes are an easy enough weekend project to take on, and they can offer a great payoff. After all, there’s nothing like an unsatisfying litter box situation to upset both human and feline family members. And if a litter box isn’t up to par, your kitty is sure to let you know in ways you probably don’t want to deal with too often.
Choosing the right cat litter box furniture is certainly an important aspect to caring for your cat, but it doesn’t have to be a pricey investment by any means. Trying some DIY cat litter box solutions and making your own litter box furniture could help save money.
A Clue Into Your Kitty’s Litter Box Habits
As you’re well aware, your cat’s needs may be more nuanced than you first believed. Their litter box habits may change as they grow bigger or older, or if they are introduced to another cat. Their existing litter box can also be disturbed by other pets in the house, causing you to seek improved solutions.
It’s clear that your choice and placement of the right cat litter box matters. It has to be easy to clean (since your cat is sure to be fastidious), easy for them to access and move around in, and filled with the right amount of kitty litter.1
Why Try Making Your Own DIY Litter Box?
As a cat parent, you’re in the best position to observe and ascertain your pet’s potty habits. Your cat’s litter box can be a representation of their unique personality. It may also bring to light any physical issues or limitations he might have, as well. For example, older cats might have trouble accessing more complicated litter box enclosure configurations.2
While there are many litter box styles and accessories available for purchase online and in pet stores, it can quickly become a costly exercise in trial and error if you haven’t figured out your cat’s potty preferences just yet.
A DIY litter box can be a good temporary — or even permanent, if done well — solution. You may already have some of the materials lying around your kitchen or garage, waiting to be repurposed as a kitty commode.
How To Make A Cat Litter Box Out Of A Plastic Bin
This top-entry type of cat litter box offers a couple of big benefits. The access hole at the top helps stop your cat from tracking excess kitty litter outside the litter box, and the lidded design keeps odor well-contained (and curious dogs away).
What You Need
Large plastic bin with lid (your cat must be able to comfortably move around inside)- Medium-sized plate
- Sharpie marker
- Box cutter or sharp knife
Instructions
- Clean your plastic bin if repurposing. Check for any cracks and leaks and fortify or repair if necessary.
- Take the lid and place the plate on one side. Trace the plate on the lid using the marker.
- Carefully cut out the circle shape using your box cutter, making an access hole for your cat to enter.
- You can opt to fill the inside of the bin with the appropriate level of kitty litter, or place a litter tray/litter pan inside for easier cleanup.
- Place the lid on the bin securely.3
Hide A Plastic Litter Box In Plain Sight
Don’t like having your cat litter box out in the open? This cute project disguises your litter box as a faux decorative plant. You may want to place a litter mat underneath the pot to help stop your cat from tracking litter all over the living room.
What You Need
Large plastic terra cotta planter with pot saucer- Box cutter
- Wood burning tool
- Sandpaper or file
- Glue gun
- Floral foam
- Faux leaves and flowers, moss
Instructions
- Sketch out a suitably-sized opening on the side of the pot. Make sure to leave enough space in the bottom so your cat doesn’t fall or slide out.
- Use your cutter and wood burning tool to saw out the opening. Once cool and safe to handle, trim and neaten up the edges with your sandpaper or metal file.
- Remove the plastic bottom of the pot (the one that fits securely inside) and line with a garbage bag or plastic bag. Fill with kitty litter and replace inside the planter.
- Take the plastic pot saucer and fit it over the top of the planter. It should fit snugly. Glue the floral foam to the plastic surface. Arrange moss, leaves, and flowers on the foam to your liking.
- To replace litter, just lift off the plastic saucer with the plant arrangement, reach in, and lift out the plastic liner with litter.4
Level Up With DIY Litter Box Furniture
If you’re feeling extra crafty, or just really want to spoil your cat with their own well-designed piece of custom litter box furniture, here’s a nifty design that makes use of an existing wood cabinet. You can take the basic idea and run with it — repaint, change the cabinet door handles or knobs, or give it a finish that matches the rest of your space.
The smart thing about using a cabinet is you now have space to hide your cat’s extra stuff on the top shelf — think a quick refill of kitty litter, a brush, or some toys that would otherwise clutter the floor.
What You Need
Sturdy wooden cabinet (thrifted is fine)- Tape measure and pencil
- Drill and drill bit
- Jigsaw
- Sandpaper, paint, and other materials for finishing the cabinet to your liking (optional)
Instructions
- Make sure the cabinet is clean and free of any structural damage.
- Create a cat-sized opening on the side of the cabinet using a tape measure and pencil.
- Carefully use the drill and jigsaw to cut out the opening. You can opt to sand it down to make the edges cleaner, or use wood trim for more decorative effect.
- Next, use the drill bit to create a few holes in the back of the cabinet. These will serve as ventilation for your cat.
- Paint and decorate the cabinet to your liking. Once dry and ready for use, place a litter tray and litter mat inside for your cat to use. If there’s a shelf inside, move it up higher to make sure your cat has enough space. The shelf space can store extra cat needs.5
Get Crafty With A DIY Cat Litter Box
If you’ve tried your hand at making a DIY cat tower, or even considered formulating your own homemade cat litter with baking soda, then you know: creating a simple (or fancy) cat litter box can be an easy enough project to take on in one weekend.
Who knows, you just might win your feline’s fickle attention — or, at the very least, you’ll be able to solve some potty-related problems.
Learn More:
How To Potty Train A Kitten: Litter Training Your New Cat
Info For Cat Parents: Why Do Cats Like Small Spaces?
DIY Pets: How To Make A Flirt Pole Toy For Your Dog Or Cat
Sources
1 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/litter-box-problems
2 https://www.thesprucepets.com/help-older-cats-with-litter-box-553889
3 https://www.inspiredhousewife.com/diy-low-track-cat-litter-box/
4 https://www.hometalk.com/36638298/how-to-hide-a-litter-box
5 https://domesticallycreative.com/diy-litter-box-cabinet/
