Every cat owner knows the litter box problem: it has to be somewhere your cat can always reach, but nobody wants it to be the first thing guests see. Litter box furniture solves that by hiding the box inside a cabinet that looks like a side table, nightstand or storage unit. Done well, it keeps litter scatter contained and makes the box disappear into the room. Done badly, it can make your cat stop using the box. This guide covers what to measure, what to look for, where to place the cabinet and how to help your cat accept it.
What is litter box furniture?
A litter box enclosure is a cabinet with an entry hole for your cat and a door or removable panel for you. The litter box sits inside. From the outside it looks like ordinary furniture, and many designs add useful extras such as a drawer for scoops and bags or a top sturdy enough to use as a side table.
Benefits
- Out of sight. The box no longer sits in the middle of the floor.
- Less litter scatter. Walls around the box catch litter that cats kick out.
- Privacy for your cat. Many cats prefer a sheltered spot to do their business.
- Protection from dogs and toddlers. A small entry can keep curious noses out (depending on the size of the dog).
- Extra storage and surface space. A drawer or tabletop makes the cabinet earn its place.
Things to consider before you buy
1. Will your litter box fit?
Measure the length, width and height of your current litter box, including the rim, and compare it with the interior dimensions of the cabinet, not the outside. Leave a little room so you can slide the box in and out easily. For example, the Cat Litter Box Enclosure we carry has interior space of about 17.3 × 19.7 × 17.7 inches, which fits most standard litter boxes. The litter box itself is not included.
2. Is the entry the right size for your cat?
Check the size of the cat opening against your cat. A very large cat, or one with mobility issues, needs an easy way in. The enclosure above has an opening about 7.5 inches wide and 8.5 inches high.
3. Is there enough headroom inside?
Your cat needs to be able to stand, turn around and squat comfortably inside the cabinet. If your cat tends to stand up tall in the box, a cabinet with generous interior height is important.
4. How easy is it to clean?
Look for a door or panel that gives you full access to scoop daily and pull the box out for a full clean. A drawer nearby for scoops and bags makes the daily routine faster.
5. Does it fit your room?
Check the outside dimensions and finish. The enclosure above, for instance, measures about 18.9 × 20.9 × 25 inches with a white finish and a top rated to hold up to 120 lb, so it can work as a side table next to a sofa or bed.
Ventilation and odor
An enclosure keeps the box out of sight, but it does not remove odor on its own, and a closed cabinet can trap smells inside if the box is not kept clean. A few habits help:
- Scoop at least once a day.
- Change the litter completely and wash the box regularly.
- Choose a low-dust, clumping litter if your cat accepts it.
- Leave the cabinet door open for a while after cleaning to let it air out.
- Avoid strong scented sprays inside the cabinet; many cats dislike them and may avoid the box.
Where to place it
- Somewhere quiet but accessible: not right next to a noisy washing machine or in a high-traffic hallway.
- Away from food and water bowls. Cats generally prefer not to eat near their toilet.
- Not in a room that sometimes gets closed off. Your cat needs access around the clock.
- One box per cat, plus one. This common guideline still applies; an enclosure can be one of the boxes, not necessarily all of them.
Helping your cat get used to it
- Use the same litter box and litter your cat already knows, so the only change is the cabinet.
- Start with the door open (or a side panel removed) so your cat can see the box inside.
- Place it where the old box was, or move it gradually.
- Leave the old setup in place for a few days if possible, until you see your cat using the enclosure.
- Reward curiosity with calm praise or a treat near (not inside) the cabinet.
If your cat avoids the box, starts going elsewhere, strains or visits the box very often, talk to your vet. Changes in litter box habits can be a sign of a health problem, not just a dislike of the new furniture.
Quick recap
Measure your litter box against the cabinet's interior, check the entry size and headroom for your cat, and choose a design that is easy to clean. Place it somewhere quiet, away from food, scoop daily and introduce it gradually with the litter your cat already likes.
Our Cat Litter Box Enclosure is a white wooden cabinet with a drawer and a top that doubles as a side table. Orders ship free within the US; delivery times are on our shipping policy page.