Picture this. You walk into the living room and find your beagle, Biscuit, with his head in my sister’s cat’s litter box, looking thrilled with himself. Gross. Lesson learned. I’m a dog person, but I was looking after a cat that month, and that moment sent me hunting for DIY cat litter box enclosures. I needed something that hid the mess, kept the dog out, and still let the cat do her thing in peace. Here are ten I’ve built or helped friends build.
The Problem With an Open Litter Box
An open box in a living room isn’t pretty. It smells, scatters litter, and attracts nosy dogs. Some dogs treat it like a snack bar. That’s a good reason to keep it out of reach, and if your dog has been eating litter or cat waste and seems unwell, call your vet.
A good enclosure hides the box, keeps the dog out, and gives your cat privacy. But cats are picky. If the entrance is awkward, the space is cramped, or the air is stale, she may stop using it. So the best DIY cat litter box enclosures balance looks with cat comfort.
Measure first. The box should fit with room to turn around, ideally a bit larger than her body length. And ventilation matters, so never seal it fully.
10 DIY Cat Litter Box Enclosures
1. The Cabinet Conversion. Cut a cat-sized doorway in the side of an old cabinet, then add vent holes at the back. Sand every edge. Cheap, tidy, and it looks like furniture.
2. The IKEA-Style Bench Hack. Take a low storage bench, remove the back panel, and cut an entrance in one end. Add a washable mat inside. You get seating on top and a hidden box below.
3. The Side Table Box. Hollow out a sturdy side table or nightstand. Leave one open side and fit a curtain over it. Lovely beside a sofa.
4. The Plant Stand Screen. A freestanding screen surrounded by cat-safe plants hides the box. Skip anything toxic to cats, and check any plant with your vet.
5. The Wooden Crate Cube. Stack two crates, cut an entry, and paint the outside. A rustic look for very little money.
6. The Hidden Closet Corner. Move the box into a closet or under the stairs with the door slightly ajar. Prop it open so it can’t close on your cat.
7. The Curtain Cubby. Use a simple frame, add a fabric curtain, and tuck the box behind it. Wash the curtain often, and keep it well above the litter.
8. The Dog Gate Barrier. If you can’t build a box, use a small pet gate with a cat flap that blocks dogs. Place it across a corner, with the box behind. Quick, cheap, and ideal for renters.
9. The Washing Machine Nook. If you’ve got a utility room, a small cat door in the door lets her in and keeps the dog out. Check she can’t get shut in, and never let her near the machine.
10. The Bookshelf Hideaway. Remove the lower shelves, line the base with a waterproof tray, and add a cat-sized opening. It looks like a bookcase, and nobody guesses.
The Tip That Surprised Me
Here’s the one I’m proudest of. Cut two entrances. Cats hate feeling trapped, and a second exit gives her an escape route if the dog wanders over. Picture a nervous cat, a curious beagle at one door, and a clear exit at the other. She steps out calmly. No drama.
And add a washable mat outside the entrance. It catches litter from her paws, and you shake it out in seconds.
Mistakes and Warnings Worth Knowing
Don’t build it airtight. Poor ventilation traps smells and can make the box unpleasant for your cat. Add holes or slits near the top and back.
Don’t make the doorway too small. A heavy cat or a big breed needs a wider opening. If she squeezes in awkwardly, she’ll avoid it.
Sand every edge. Cut wood and drilled holes can splinter, and a scratched paw puts cats off.
Use cat-safe materials. Choose water-based, pet-safe paint or sealant, let it dry and air out for several days, and skip anything strongly scented.
Clean the box daily. A tidy enclosure still needs scooping, and some cats refuse a dirty box. If your cat suddenly avoids it, strains, or seems unwell, call your vet straight away.
Keep dogs out for good. Even gentle dogs can be drawn to litter, so make the entrance too small for them or add a gate.
A Real Example From My Friend Jo
Jo’s tiny flat had a litter box right beside the sofa. She turned a thrifted bench into an enclosure with two entrances and a small vent at the back. Her cat, Salem, sniffed it for an afternoon and moved in. Her spaniel, Kipper, couldn’t squeeze through. “It looks like a bench,” she said. “My mum still doesn’t know.”
Ready to Build Your DIY Cat Litter Box Enclosures?
You don’t need to try all ten. Pick the one that fits your space and skills, measure your box, and give your cat time to adjust. The best DIY cat litter box enclosures hide the mess, keep the dog out, and feel roomy and private for your cat. Start with the bench hack or the gate, and tweak as you go.
Got a dog in the house, too? Have a look at my post on cozy dog beds that don’t wreck your living room. And tell me: does your dog ever raid the litter box, or is yours the polite kind?
