Litter boxes aren't the nicest thing to look at (or smell!), and if you're looking for ways to hide one in your home, you've come to the right place. Below, we've shared 10 creative ways to keep it out of sight – from stylish plant pots to multi-functional cat houses.
There are plenty of other ways to help it go unnoticed, like using the best cat litter, changing it regularly, and placing a litter-tracking mat to stop debris from spreading across your floor. If you're sick of cleaning it altogether, you might even want to consider investing in one of the best automatic litter boxes that do the dirty work for you.
Before you decide to hide the litter box, vet Dr MacMillan advises making sure the spot has plenty of room for your cat to move around, allows them to watch for threats, and is easy enough for them to maneuver in and out of.
How do I hide the litter box?
1. Makeover a wicker chest
There’s something oh-so chic about the country living look, and now you can bring a touch of it into your home with this stylish wicker chest hiding space, thanks to Nocturnal Knit’s idea.
This is a great project for DIY beginners because it’s so easy to create – just remove one side of the basket, line the bottom, and slot in the best cat litter box.
2. Use up those wine crates
If you’re a lover of all things vino-related, then chances are you might have the odd wine crate lying about that you’ve been wondering what to do with. Well, wonder no more because it turns out that wine crates are brilliant when it comes to concealing litter boxes.
We’re loving this clever version from the gang at Apartment Therapy, who show you how to upcycle old wine cases by attaching two crates with a hinge. Then, use a staple gun to add a plastic lining and make the cubby waterproof before popping your cat’s litter box inside.
3. Opt for a multi-functional cat house
If you’re like me and the thought of any kind of DIY makes you break out into a cold sweat, then why not purchase a multi-functional cat house that can be used as a litter box concealer?
5. Secret litter box bench
It might not be the easiest project for beginners, but this litter box bench is one of the best ideas we've seen for keeping it out of sight – and it gives your cat plenty of space to work with!
For some creative inspiration, check out this stunning example from Astin's Designs with step-by-step instructions that you can easily follow at home. Although a little word of warning – make this and we’re pretty confident that all your friends and family will want you to create one for them too, so proceed with caution!
6. Hide it under the sink
For people whose under-sink bathroom space isn’t cluttered with cleaning or toiletry products, this clever idea by Chelseadweller's Blog proves it's a great place to tuck away a litter box and keep it out of sight. It does mean losing some storage space, but if you don’t mind that, it’s an option well worth considering.
We wouldn’t recommend cutting into your vanity – after all, you might want the flexibility to convert it back to its original purpose – but if you remove the doors, you can easily fix a curtain in place and then pop the doors back on if you decide to move the litter box elsewhere down the line.
8. Get a litter box that looks like a houseplant
There are quite a few litter boxes that look like houseplants available on Amazon, like this one from Setvson, which features an artificial plant coming out of the top.
These pots open on one side, allowing your cat to access the litter box, but you can turn them around so they look like real plant pots while your feline sneaks in from the back.
10. Add curtains to a console table
Saws on Skates details a great way to turn a cabinet/console table into a hidden litter box spot. All you need to do is take a piece of furniture like an island or a console table – something that has a low shelf with open sides. If they have closed sides, you may be able to remove one side in order to tuck the litter box away in there.
Saws on Skates added doors to an open kitchen island, then hung curtains all along the inside and on the open side, tucking a litter box away behind the curtain. What's behind curtain number one? A secret kitty poo palace!
How to choose a litter box location
When it comes to where they poop, eat, and sleep, cats can be very particular. Dr MacMillan suggests placing your litter box in a "quiet, undisturbed" area of your home – away from busy places with lots of people, noisy appliances, or banging doors.
She adds: "If you have multiple cats, you will also need to make sure you have provided a litter box for each, plus one extra. These will all need to be in different areas of the house so that there is no conflict between your cats when they come to use them."
Risks of hiding a cat litter box
Hiding your cat's litter box might look better in your home, but are there any risks? We asked Dr MacMillan to find out:
1. They might feel unsafe if it's too confined: "Many cats like to be able to keep an eye on their surroundings while using their litter box. This helps them to feel safe because they can watch out for potential threats while they are doing their business. For this reason, some won’t use a box that is too confined."
2. Not enough space: "Cats also need plenty of space when going to the bathroom. They need to have a box that they can comfortably turn around in. This usually means a litter box that is at least one and a half times the length of your cat. It can be tricky to give your cat enough space in a hidden litter box, especially if you have a large breed."
3. Harder to clean: "Cleaning out a hidden litter box can be more challenging. Firstly, you may not immediately notice when it has been soiled, and secondly, it might be technically difficult to access the tray for scooping. Cats are very clean, and many won’t use a box that is soiled, which could lead to problems."
4. Harder to access: "Depending on the type of furniture that you are hiding your litter box in, some very young kittens or elderly cats with arthritis may struggle to easily enter. This can make things difficult for them and could result in toileting accidents."
Want more tips and tricks? Check out our favorite cat litter hacks and learn more about the types of cat litter you can choose from to make your life easier!
Edited by Georgia Guerin and Alexis De Leaver.
