A litter box doesn’t have to ruin your home’s design. These are the most popular kitty litter enclosures according to reviews.
You probably don’t have many kitty litter boxes on your Pinterest board for interior design ideas. That’s because they are typically quite ugly. Nothing clashes with a chic home aesthetic like a bulky plastic bin filled with sand, rocks, and…feces.
But worry not! Litter box enclosures are spaces for your feline friend to go inside and do their business out of sight. Many modern enclosures double as furniture or decor, so you can ensure your cat has a comfortable place while accenting your home. Let’s take a look at the most popular litter enclosures on the market.
Any visitors looking at the unique barn doors and rustic finish on this stylish piece of decor probably wouldn’t guess that there’s a litter box hidden in it. Priced at $79.99 on Amazon, the enclosure offers your cat complete privacy to do what they have to do while trapping the resulting odor inside. Reviewers note that once you’re ready to clean, it’s easy to do without making a mess.
While not real wood, it’s sturdy nonetheless and can hold up to 132 pounds on top for any plants or photos you wish to decorate with. The divider can also be easily removed if you need more space for a larger cat or decide to use it for a different purpose, like a cat bed.
“For these enclosed boxes, like the first very-pretty Rustic Enclosure, make sure your litter box walls are high enough for your cats. Some male cats will stand up to urinate, meaning urine will go over the box lid and into this enclosure, inevitably ruining the interior and making it very smelly. Not only is this expensive enclosure ruined, but now your cat won't use the box because it's giving dirty porta-potty at an outdoor concert in July vibes.”
- Dr. Erica Irish
Cats need litter boxes and scratching posts. Why not give them both with one single purchase? This dual-purpose cat tree enclosure has soft perches, a small bed, a plush basket, and a hanging detachable ball atop a cabinet with side entry, so your kitty can nap, play, and do their business all in one general area of the home. While reviewers note that assembling it can take a while, they also note it’s relatively simple. Customers also praise the product for hiding both the litter box and the scent. Get this multi-functional cat furniture on Amazon for $99.99.
“You should also make sure that the enclosure is large and tall enough for a cat to stand up and turn around. Small, cramped enclosures are not desirable to a cat. Also, some cats can be averse to them when they can't see "intruders" lurking around the corner. The big open litter box in my bathroom is the preferred box for my four cats, but some will use the enclosed, smaller boxes for #1 and #2 if the big box is dirty (I scoop all four boxes every single day).”
- Dr. Erica Irish
It’s a planter…it’s a plant…it’s a litter box! While the palm atop this enclosure isn’t real, it’s far more decorative than the box it’s concealing. But the real selling point of this item is the carbon filter, which absorbs and neutralizes the stench of your kitty’s droppings. Reviewers also mentioned it’s easy to assemble and the faux plant can easily be swapped out. Customers can also purchase reusable liners separately for easier cleaning. Currently, this litter box is priced at $99.95 on Amazon.
“I had that plant one. It lasted a while, but my criticisms of it are that my one cat (Darby) tried to eat the fake leaves, so I had to throw those away. And sometimes, he would get urine in the seam of the lid, leaking to the outside. My dogs were able to get their heads in the opening, so I had to turn the box around to face the wall instead.”
- Dr. Erica Irish
The more cats you have, the more space their gear takes up in your home. This litter box enclosure (priced at $149.99 on Amazon) disguised as a TV stand provides space for your multiple litter boxes in a nearly 50-inch long piece of furniture you’ll likely need anyway. Even if you have just one cat, you could use the other cabinet for a cat bed. There’s even a removable scratching board for cats to sharpen their claws on. Reviewers valued the slick, modern design and multifunctionality of the furniture.
The more cats you have, the more space their gear takes up in your home. This litter box enclosure (priced at less than $150 on Amazon) is disguised as a TV stand provides space for your multiple litter boxes in a 59-inch long piece of furniture you’ll likely need anyway. Even if you have just one cat, you could use the other cabinet for a cat bed. There’s even a removable scratching board for cats to sharpen their claws on.
“For the one inside the TV cabinet, I imagine loud sounds from the TV would be scary for a cat, so this one might not work if you've got some huge surround-sound type entertainment center.”
- Dr. Erica Irish
If you live in an apartment or smaller home you’ll probably want a cat litter enclosure that doesn’t encroach on your square footage. In addition to harboring your cat’s litter, this small enclosure works well as a nightstand or side table, and the mid-century modern style doesn’t cramp your decor. The double front doors allow for easy cleaning, and reviewers like that the legs elevate it off the floor to vacuum up any spillage. Though the materials aren’t the sturdiest, people note that larger cats get in and out just fine. Find it on Amazon for $114.
Aside from the obvious perk of keeping your cat’s bowel movements out of your peripherals, litter box enclosures offer several benefits to felines and owners alike. They can greatly improve your home environment which improves your mood and willingness to have guests over.
Let’s take a look at the benefits of getting a litter box enclosure:
Like dogs, cats can feel vulnerable while they’re relieving themselves and may not use a litter box if it doesn’t feel like a safe space for them. In addition to training, having an enclosure can make them feel more at ease when they need to go.
Instead of thinking about how you’re going to squeeze a litter box between your furniture, consider an enclosure that incorporates a litter box into said furniture. How about a TV stand your cat can crawl into the side of to access their litter, or an ottoman with a compartment below that acts as their private bathroom? Multi-purpose is the name of the game when it comes to furniture enclosures.
Let’s face it: having an animal routinely relieving themself inside your home isn’t exactly the most pleasant part of being a cat parent. It’s probably the thing you pushed to the back of your brain when you decided to get a cat in the first place. Sure, there are alternative materials like flushable litter (which, by the way, shouldn’t be flushed) that’s easier on the nostrils, but an enclosure offers a way to keep these smells closed off until you’re able to clean out the box.
These enclosures also make litter cleanup easier for cat owners. We all know felines like to dig around a bit in their litter boxes, causing spillage all over the surrounding floor. They’re also not always the most accurate, which can lead to urine and fecal matter seeping into your hardwood or carpet. An enclosure contains the litter box overflow to a confined space.
As if dealing with litter boxes wasn’t gross enough, you may have a dog in the home that likes to, shall we say, help themself to your cat’s droppings. Pica, the disorder in which dogs eat non-food items, can be either medical or behavioral and should be addressed first by a vet, then potentially a trainer. But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps in the meantime to keep your dog from munching on your cat’s #2s. Enclosures are designed for cats, not dogs or other—or toddlers, for that matter.
You don’t have to sacrifice design for your cat’s litter. With litter box enclosures, you can keep your kitty’s “bathroom” out of sight and mind while adding functional furniture or decorative flair to your living space. Striking a balance between your cat’s needs and your feng shui is essential to both of you feeling comfortable at home.
Litter box enclosures go a long way in containing a litter box area and controlling odors. Additionally, you can scoop it out and clean up any spillage frequently to keep the area tidy for your pet. Remember that odor control will close off the smell FOR YOU but not for your cat. Clean that thing every day or your cat might stop using it altogether.
Make sure enclosures and boxes are large and tall enough for a cat to stand up and turn around. Small, cramped enclosures are not desirable to a cat. Also, some cats can be averse to them when they can't see "intruders" lurking around the corner. The size of your litter box depends on the size of your cat and their litter box behaviors. For instance, high-peeing cats will need more overhead space.
A good litter box enclosure is sturdy and provides you easy access to the litter box for simple cleanup. Additionally, it should be easy for your cat to get in and out of comfortably.
A litter box should be scooped once or twice a day to prevent buildup and keep it a comfortable space for your cat. The sooner you’re able to scoop debris, the better.
Litter mats go a long way in wiping your kitty’s paws to reduce tracking. As for litter material, dense litter tends to track more than lightweight litter. Also, consider using no-dust litter. That dust gets everywhere and is harmful to your kitty's sensitive airways.
