Making your own DIY cat litter box may sound like a lot of hard work, but as you’ll soon see, it’s nowhere near as complicated as you might think. In fact, some of the options below are so easy that your hardest job will be choosing the best cat litter to fill it with!
Whether you’re wanting a litter box that’s tucked away yet still visible or you’re looking for some ingenious ways to hide the litter box completely, the ideas in this guide have got you covered with a range of styles to suit both you and your feline friend.
Of course, unlike the best self-cleaning cat litter boxes, the one downside to these fantastic DIY options is that you’re going to have to take care of mopping up those messes without the help of the latest litter box technology. Still, when you see how stylish some of these creations are, we have a feeling that donning those gloves will seem well worth it.
- How to get a cat to use a litter box
- How to keep cat litter off the floor
- Why is my cat peeing outside the litter box? How to stop inappropriate elimination
1. DIY cat litter box for limited mobility and arthritis
One issue with many standard store-bought litter boxes is that the small size may make it difficult for some kitties to squat comfortably without their hips coming into contact with the sides. Thankfully, this mammoth litter box solves that problem beautifully.
Get a big storage tub from your local hardware store and use a jig saw to cut a large hole along one side. You’ll want it about 5-inches from the floor to make sure the litter doesn’t come out, but low enough so that your cat can enter easily.
Make sure you sand the edges of the litter box entrance so that your cat doesn’t hurt themselves on any jagged pieces of plastic. There’s a great range of different types of cat litter to choose from, so select the one that best suits the needs of your feline and family.
2. Outdoor cat litter box
We’re loving this gorgeous outdoor litter box and best of all, it’s a breeze to make. Just select a patch of your backyard or garden that you want to set the litter box into, dig a shallow trench, surround it with tall and long edging stones and then fill it with cat litter - job done!
This litter box is fantastic for keeping your kitty's toileting confined to the outdoors, but without having to worry that you'll be picking up their business in your garden or on your lawn. And as long as you have a rake, you'll find it's super easy to clean too.
3. Litter box bench
Want a litter box that’s both fashionable and functional? Well, look no further than this great litter box bench. We’re pretty sure nobody will ever guess that it serves a double purpose!
This is a great way to save room and ensure that your cat's litter box blends in to your home, plus, it provides extra seating for when you have visitors and is good for small spaces, making it ideal for apartment living.
4. Ikea litter box hack
If you’re a fan of all things IKEA, then you’re going to love this cheap and cheerful litter box that makes use of one of their popular wicker chests. Not only will it look great in any living space, but your cat will love how light and airy it is.
We'd recommend an odor-eliminating litter for this design, particularly if you're going to have it in one of the main rooms in your home, this will ensure any unpleasant smells stay confined to the chest and don't seep out into your living area.
5. Wooden litter box enclosure
Uber stylish, this wooden litter box is another great outdoor option that would work well on your lawn or patio and it can also double up as an extra piece of furniture for those warmer nights when you’re having guests over.
6. Amazing DIY litter box enclosure
We know we’re not supposed to pick favorites, but we can’t lie, this litter box is quite possibly the coolest thing we’ve ever seen! Featuring an elaborate hallway for access, plenty of space for multiple litter boxes and stunning visual appeal, this litter box is sure to have your family and friends talking for all the right reasons.
Now, we're not going to lie, this is one time consuming project, but if you have the energy for it and are the proud pet parent to more than one feline furkid, this creative litter box set up really is worth all the hard work.
7. Filing cabinet kitty litter box
One word - genius! With an easy pull-out design and compact structure, a filing cabinet can make a great litter box for your cat. A two-drawer filing cabinet is perfect for this project - simply remove the top drawer and furnish the bottom one with a kitty litter pan and you’re good to go.
8. The work of art litter box
If you love getting stuck into a meaty project and have plenty of time on your hands, then you’re going to love whipping up this stunning litter box that will let you show off your carpentry skills and your artistic talents all at the same time. It may be a labor of love, but it’s one that will be well worth it.
