How To Hide A Cat Box (5+ Ways)
Having an indoor cat comes with the responsibility of managing a litter box. While essential, litter boxes can be an eyesore. This guide covers tips and solutions to discreetly conceal the litter box in your home.
Why Hide the Litter Box
A litter box in plain sight can be unsightly and smelly. Hiding the litter box keeps your home looking neat and prevents odors from wafting through the house. Other reasons to conceal the litter box include:
Keep Areas Clean
Cats may kick litter out of the box, leaving messy piles around it. Hiding the litter box helps contain loose litter.
Reduce Litter Tracking
Hiding the box in an enclosed space minimizes litter that sticks to your cat’s paws, reducing tracking mess.
Improve Aesthetic Appeal
An open litter box can be an eyesore and diminish the look of your home. Hiding it helps rooms retain their aesthetic appeal.
Control Odors
Enclosing the litter box prevents smells from permeating into social areas of your home.
Litter Box Placement Considerations
When deciding where to put the hidden litter box, keep these key considerations in mind:
Accessibility
The litter box should be placed where your cat can easily access it. Older or disabled cats may need it placed in an easy-to-reach spot without obstacles.
Privacy
Most cats prefer a private, quiet space to do their business. Tuck the litter box away in an area removed from household traffic and noise.
Ventilation
To manage odors and allow air circulation, the litter box area needs to be properly ventilated. Ensure air can flow in and out.
Size
The litter box should be roomy enough for your cat to move around in and dig/bury. Make sure to get measurements before choosing a hiding furniture piece or building an enclosure.
Surface Material
Place the litter box on a non-porous, easy to clean surface in case of spills and tracking. Plastic, vinyl, or tile work well. Avoid carpet.
Cleaning Access
The setup should allow you easy access to fully clean and replace litter in the box. If using furniture, ensure doors are large enough to remove pans/liners.
Creative Ways to Hide a Litter Box
There are many innovative options to conceal litter boxes while still giving kitty access. Here are clever hiding spots to consider:
1. Litter Box Furniture
Cat litter box furniture encloses the pan while doubling as a decorative household piece. Options include:
Litter Box Cabinets
Cabinets are a classic way to hide the litter box. They have a discreet cabinet exterior with an interior litter box compartment. Popular options:
- Wood cabinets with intricate carved designs
- Storage cabinet combo units
- Nightstand style cabinets with flip-down fronts
- Cabinet units with automatic, self-cleaning litter boxes built in
Litter Box Benches
Bench-style litter box furniture allows kitty to hop inside and take care of business. Choices include:
- Two-toned wood benches with removable litter pan drawers
- Padded top opening bench boxes with waste receptacles
- Small entryway benches with built-in litter box access
Litter Box End Tables
End tables with built-in litter areas are perfect for tucking away in a living room or bedroom. Styles include:
- Square end tables with lift tops exposing litter
- Round end table units with waste drawer compartments
- End tables with covered litter tray and scratch pad on top
2. Repurposed Furniture
Give existing furniture new life by converting it into a litter box hiding spot. Ideas:
- Hope chests or storage trunks
- Bottom half of bookcases
- Large drawer units
- TV stands with removable back panels
- Under-bed storage bins
Use a plastic storage tote or actual litter box inside the furniture cavity. Cut out an entrance hole for the cat. Tip: Add latch locks to keep doors closed and kittens out.
3. Decorative Screens
Free-standing folding screens camouflage litter boxes. Position the box behind an ornamental screen for an incognito look. Screens come in variety of styles:
- Asian style with intricate carved wood or latticework
- Elegant room dividers with panels in gold, silver, or black
- Nature inspired with plant or animal imagery
- Bold patterns and colors to match home decor
Consider placing the screen in a discrete area, like a corner or unused nook of a room.
4. Hidden Litter Box Nooks
Build out custom nooks and hiding spots specifically for the litter box. Great for using awkward unused spaces. Ideas:
- Inside closet floor spaces
- In the void under staircases
- Inside bathroom vanity cabinets
- Back of utility rooms or mudrooms
- Inside cabinetry built into walls
Measure the litter box dimensions when planning the nook size. Include a cat entry-way into the designed spot.
5. Covered Litter Boxes
Covered litter boxes have a top piece that neatly conceals the lower litter pan. The lid has a hole for kitty access. Styles include:
- Top-entry boxes with domed hoods
- Covered triangle boxes that fit in corners
- Flip-top boxes with entrance on the side
- Boxes with privacy screens and roof panels
For best results, position covered boxes flush against walls to further disguise them.
Litter Box Hiding Tips
Follow these handy tips when concealing your cat’s litter box:
Entry and Exit Room
Provide at least 15-inches of clearance so cats can easily enter and exit. Cut out entry holes if hiding boxes within furniture.
Litter Replacement Access
Furniture pieces should include doors, panels or lift-off tops to allow litter replacement. Measure litter boxes prior to ensure they fit.
Consider Aesthetics
Match the style of furniture hiding boxes to your home decor. Stain wood units to coordinate with existing accents and colors.
Air Circulation
Ensure air flows in and out of concealed litter box areas to manage odors. Install ventilation grates or small fans if needed.
Easy Cleaning
Hide litter boxes on non-porous surfaces for quick cleaning. Plastic, vinyl or tile flooring is best. Avoid using carpet.
Trial Run
See if your cat readily takes to concealed litter box options by doing a test run first. Try temporary setups before installing permanent fixtures.
Prevent Accidents
Make sure your cat can easily access the hidden litter box to prevent urinating/defecating in non-litter areas. Monitor behavior when transitioning.
Common Litter Box Hiding FAQs
Have additional questions on concealing your cat’s litter area? Check out answers to these frequently asked questions:
How do I transition my cat to a hidden litter box?
Initially, place the concealed box alongside the existing box. Put a little used litter inside to attract your cat. Reward with treats when they use it. After acclimating over 7-10 days, remove the old box.
Where should I NOT put a hidden litter box?
Avoid noisy high-traffic areas, small enclosed spaces, areas with temperature extremes, and upper level floors without easy access.
Can I use scented litter in a covered box?
Yes, but avoid heavily perfumed litters. The confined space intensifies smells, which may deter your cat from using the box.
How can I stop litter from getting kicked out?
Try using mats around the box, adding a screen lip to the entryway, or using covered boxes. High-walled litter pans also reduce kicking litter out.
What cleaning supplies are safe for litter boxes?
Enzymatic cleaners or natural solutions like vinegar and baking soda are safest. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia-based products.
How often should I scoop and fully clean the litter box?
Scoop solid waste at least once per day. Fully empty, wash and refill litter every 1-2 weeks for clumping litter and every month for crystal litters.
How can I make the area around a hidden box smell better?
Place bowls of baking soda or charcoal bags near the litter box furniture to absorb odors. Also use vent fans and air purifiers as needed.
What should I do if my cat stops using a concealed litter box?
Temporarily keep the box uncovered and move it to a quiet, easily accessed area. Rule out medical issues. Re-introduce the covered box slowly over 2-4 weeks. Reward with treats for using it. If problems persist, reconsider the covered box or location.
Hiding your cat’s litter box can vastly improve the cleanliness and aesthetic of your home. With creative solutions and strategic placement, you can give kitty the privacy they need while keeping the box out of sight. Test out different covered furniture, storage spaces, or specialty boxes to find the ideal litter box solution.
