DIY Litter Box Covers: Creative Ways to Hide the Box
Why Hide the Litter Box?
A visible litter box can disrupt your home’s look, spread odors, and invite litter scatter. Hiding it with a DIY litter box cover, an upcycled cabinet, or a premium enclosure solves these problems and gives your cat more privacy. The best solutions blend seamlessly with your décor, making your cat’s bathroom a discreet, even beautiful, part of your home.
What Makes a Great Hidden Litter Box Solution?
Before diving into ideas, let’s clarify what to look for:
- Easy access for cleaning and your cat.
- Odor control (ventilation, filters, or odor-resistant materials).
- Litter scatter management.
- Design that fits your space and style.
- Durability and safety for both cats and humans.
DIY Litter Box Cover Ideas: Inspiration from Real Homes
1. Upcycled Furniture Litter Box
Transforming old furniture into a homemade litter box furniture piece is a favorite among DIYers. Dressers, nightstands, or cabinets can be repurposed by removing drawers, adding a cat-sized entrance, and painting or staining to match your home. This approach is sustainable and cost-effective, and you can customize the look to suit any room.
Tip: Add a hinged door for easy cleaning access and consider lining the interior with waterproof material for durability.
2. IKEA Hack Litter Box Enclosure
IKEA furniture is a top choice for DIY litter box enclosure IKEA projects. Besta units, Hol tables, and storage benches are frequently converted into stylish litter box enclosures. Cut an entrance hole, line the inside, and place a litter tray. Many cat owners on Reddit and Pinterest share success stories with these hacks, highlighting their affordability and adaptability.
3. Curtain-Covered Table
A simple table with a curtain around the base makes a quick, cheap DIY hidden litter box. Attach fabric panels with Velcro or a tension rod, leaving an opening for your cat. This is one of the easiest cat litter box ideas DIY projects, and it works well for renters or anyone on a budget.
4. Basket or Chest Conversion
Large baskets or storage chests become airy, attractive litter box covers with just a few modifications. Cut an access hole, insert a litter tray, and you have a hidden litter box that doubles as storage or a side table.
5. Under-Stairs or Built-In Hideouts
Unused spaces under stairs, inside closets, or built into cabinetry are perfect for a hidden litter box. Cut an entrance, add ventilation, and your cat gets a private bathroom while you reclaim valuable floor space.
6. Planter-Style Litter Box
A hidden litter box plant enclosure uses a large faux planter or pot, with an entrance cut in the side and a litter box inside. Top with artificial plants for a natural look that conceals the box and adds greenery to your home.
7. Patterned or Painted Covers
Personalizing a basic plywood box with paint or stencils turns it into a statement piece. Add legs so it doubles as a side table or cat bed. This approach lets you match your litter box cover to your home’s color scheme and style.
Comparing DIY vs. Ready-Made Hidden Litter Box Furniture
| Feature | DIY Litter Box Cover | Hidden Litter Box Furniture (The Refined Feline) |
| Cost | Low to moderate (materials/tools) | Moderate to premium |
| Customization | Fully customizable | Multiple sizes, colors, and panel options |
| Assembly | Requires tools/DIY skills | Simple assembly, detailed instructions |
| Odor Control | Depends on materials/design | Ventilation slots, carbon filter compatibility |
| Litter Scatter | Add mats or grates separately | Built-in litter catch available |
| Durability | Varies by build/materials | Solid wood, oak veneer, moisture-resistant |
| Aesthetic | Matches your creativity | Looks like fine furniture, blends with décor |
| Cleaning Access | Hinged doors or removable tops | Sliding doors, removable liner, easy scooping |
| Cat Comfort | Depends on size/layout | Spacious, reversible entry, private |
DIY is rewarding, but sometimes you want a solution that’s ready to go, beautifully crafted, and built to last. Hidden litter box furniture from The Refined Feline stands out for its thoughtful design, durability, and style.
Premium Hidden Litter Box Solutions: The Refined Feline
DIY projects can be rewarding, but sometimes you want a solution that’s ready-made, beautifully crafted, and built to last. Hidden litter box furniture from The Refined Feline stands out for thoughtful design, durability, and seamless integration into any home.
Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box
View Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box
- Material: Solid wood, available in four colors to match your enclosure
- Dimensions: 20″ wide x 12″ deep x 2″ high
- Function: Sits at the entrance of the Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe (large or xlarge). Its slotted wooden design catches stray litter as cats exit, reducing mess on your floors.
- Features: Easy to empty-just hold over the litter pan and slide the trap door to pour litter back in.
- User Feedback: Hundreds of reviews praise its effectiveness and appearance, noting it’s “way better than a rubber mat” and “looks like furniture and hides the litter box well.”
- Shipping: Free shipping on orders over $60, typically ships within 1 business day, with average delivery in 2–5 days.
- Guarantee: 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee for returns if your cat doesn’t adjust.
Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe Furniture
- Materials: Real oak veneer over ply and solid wood (no MDF or particle board), resists odor and moisture
- Colors: Dark Espresso, Mahogany, Smoke Gray, White
- Sizes:
- Large: 27.5″ W x 27″ H x 20″ D (internal: 25″ W x 20″ H x 18″ D)
- XL: 33.5″ W x 28″ H x 22.75″ D (internal: 31″ W x 20.5″ H x 21″ D)
- Features:
- Sliding storage drawer for litter supplies
- Litter liner included for easy cleaning
- A wall with an entry hole can be placed on either side
- Ventilation slots fit carbon odor filters
- Reversible entryway and customizable feet
- Adjoining Litter Catch (sold separately) for extra scatter control
- Fits: Most large and jumbo litter trays; XL fits many electric litter boxes
- Assembly: Required, with clear instructions and all hardware included
- User Feedback: Highly rated for quality, sturdiness, and aesthetics. Many use it as a TV stand or side table.
- Shipping & Guarantee: Free shipping over $60, 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee.
Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet
View Refined Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet
- Materials: Oak veneer over ply and solid wood
- Colors: Dark Espresso, Mahogany, Smoke Gray, White
- Dimensions: External: 30.5″ W x 34.5″ H x 28″ D; Internal: 28.5″ W x 32.5″ H x 26.5″ D
- Fits: Most self-cleaning litter boxes, including UBPET Pro, Litter Robot 3 and 4, Casa Leo Loo, PETKIT, and Neakasa M1
- Features:
- Large reversible entryway for left or right access
- Hole in back for power cord
- Ventilation slots for optional carbon odor filters
- Durable, moisture-resistant construction
- Designed for easy assembly and cleaning
- User Feedback: Customers praise its fit for large automatic boxes, ease of assembly, and stylish appearance.
- Shipping & Guarantee: Free shipping over $60, 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee.
UBPET Pro Self-Cleaning Litter Box with App & Camera
View UBPET Pro Self-Cleaning Litter Box with App & Camera
- Dimensions: 20″ W x 21″ D x 22″ H; Entrance: 9″ x 11.5″
- Features:
- App connectivity-control cleaning, monitor usage, and track your cat’s weight from anywhere
- High-definition internal camera
- Automatic cleaning after each use or on demand
- Ultra-quiet operation
- Works with most clumping litters (less than 0.6″ long)
- Waste bin fits a standard 2-gallon bag
- Integrated safety: operation pauses if motion or weight is detected, cats can’t get trapped
- Low entry for easy access, especially for senior cats
- User Feedback: Loved for its whisper-quiet cleaning, convenience, and suitability for apartments.
- Shipping & Guarantee: Free shipping over $60, 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee.
All Refined Feline products are made from high-quality, cat-friendly materials and are designed for both cat comfort and your home’s style. Each comes with a 60-day Happy Cat Guarantee, free shipping on orders over $60, and support from a USA-based team. Assembly is straightforward, and replacement liners, filters, and accessories are available for ongoing maintenance.
These premium solutions offer a polished alternative to DIY, blending seamlessly with your décor and delivering features that address odor, scatter, and cleaning challenges-making them a top choice for anyone looking to hide the litter box with style and ease
How to Hide a Litter Box in a Small Apartment
- Furniture enclosures: Cabinets, benches, or side tables that double as storage or seating.
- Curtain solutions: Hide the box under a table with fabric for privacy and flexibility.
- Vertical spaces: Use built-in shelves or under-stair nooks to maximize floor space.
- Plant covers: Place the box inside a large faux planter for a natural look.
- Closet or bathroom placement: Tuck the box behind a curtain or inside a closet with a cat door for discreet access.
Odor and Litter Control: Best Practices
- Scoop daily: Clean boxes keep cats happy and reduce smells.
- Ventilation: Ensure airflow with slots or holes in enclosures to prevent odor buildup.
- Odor filters: Use carbon filters or baking soda in the box or enclosure.
- Litter catchers: Place a mat or the Litter Catch for the Refined Litter Box at the entrance to trap stray litter.
- Quality litter: Use low-dust, clumping litter for easy cleaning and less tracking.
- Deep clean: Wash the box weekly with vinegar or an enzymatic cleaner to neutralize ammonia.
How to Make Your Litter Box Attractive
- Choose furniture-style enclosures that look like cabinets or benches.
- Paint or stencil DIY covers to match your décor.
- Add greenery (faux or real, cat-safe plants) for a fresh look.
- Accessorize: Hang art, use stylish storage, or add a matching litter scoop holder.
- Keep it clean: A tidy, odor-free box is always more attractive.
Conclusion
The quest for the perfect hidden litter box is as much about your cat’s comfort as it is about your home’s style and cleanliness. Whether you build your own DIY litter box cover, hack IKEA furniture, or invest in a premium enclosure from The Refined Feline, you can achieve a solution that’s functional, attractive, and tailored to your needs. Focus on ventilation, easy cleaning, and a design that fits your space. With so many creative options, your litter box can finally blend in-and maybe even become a conversation starter for all the right reasons.
Key Takeaways
- DIY litter box covers can be made from upcycled furniture, IKEA hacks, baskets, curtains, and planters to hide the box without losing access or airflow.
- A great hidden litter box solution balances cat comfort with human needs: easy cleaning, odor control, scatter control, and durable, safe materials.
- Ready-made litter box furniture from The Refined Feline offers fine-furniture aesthetics, ventilation, litter-catching add-ons, and smart features for self-cleaning boxes.
- Small apartments can still hide litter boxes using multi-purpose furniture, vertical spaces, closets, and plant-style covers to save floor space.
- Odor and mess control depend on daily scooping, good ventilation, quality litter, litter catchers, and regular deep cleaning, whether the setup is DIY or furniture-style.
FAQs
Q. How can I hide a litter box discreetly in my home?
You can hide a litter box inside upcycled cabinets, benches, or side tables, use an IKEA hack enclosure, tuck it under a curtain-covered table, or place it in a planter-style cover so it blends with your decor while staying accessible.
Q. What can I use as a cat litter tray cover?
You can convert furniture like dressers, storage benches, baskets, and chests into a cat litter tray cover, or choose a purpose-built enclosure such as The Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe that looks like a cabinet but hides the tray inside.
Q. Are covers for litter boxes safe and comfortable for cats?
Yes, as long as the cover offers enough space, a large entry, good ventilation, and easy access. Avoid cramped, dark, or poorly ventilated designs, and keep the inside clean so your cat feels safe using it.
Q. How do I make a DIY hidden litter box on a budget?
Use what you already have. Put a tray under a side table and add a curtain, repurpose a storage ottoman or chest with a cut-out entrance, or convert an inexpensive IKEA unit into an enclosure with a lined interior and a litter mat.
Q. What’s the benefit of litter box furniture vs a basic DIY cover?
Litter box furniture is designed specifically for cats and humans, with features like reversible entryways, built-in ventilation, litter catches, storage drawers, and moisture-resistant materials, while DIY covers depend on your tools, skills, and materials.
Additional FAQs
Q. Can I use a real plant on top of a hidden litter box?
Yes, but pick non-toxic varieties and ensure stability.
Q. How often should I clean a hidden litter box enclosure?
Wipe down weekly, scoop daily, and replace liners/filters as needed.
Q. Will my cat use a covered or hidden box?
Most cats adapt well, especially with gradual introduction and ensuring the box is always clean and accessible.
Q. What’s the easiest DIY option for renters?
Curtain-covered tables or IKEA hacks that don’t require permanent changes.
Q. Can I buy replacement parts for ready-made enclosures?
Yes, The Refined Feline offers replacement liners, filters, and accessories for their cabinets.
Final Thoughts
The quest for the perfect hidden litter box is as much about your cat’s comfort as it is about your home’s style and cleanliness. Whether you build your own DIY litter box cover, hack IKEA furniture, or invest in a premium enclosure from The Refined Feline, you can achieve a solution that’s functional, attractive, and tailored to your needs. Focus on ventilation, easy cleaning, and a design that fits your space. With so many creative options, your litter box can finally blend in-and maybe even become a conversation starter for all the right reasons.
