The essentials
- You don’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for litter boxes — Many enclosures on the market are designer-friendly and offer practical benefits.
- Enclosures make cats feel safe — Cats feel vulnerable when they relieve themselves, which may cause them to avoid litter boxes left out in the open.
- Enclosures have benefits beyond hiding litter boxes — These items can control odor, contain spillage, and keep dogs out of your kitty’s litter.
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.
Rustic Cat Litter Enclosure by Feandrea: Most popular for style
Image courtesy of Kayla
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Stylish design | ✕ Not made of real wood |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✕ Included tools are weak |
| ✓ Sturdy | ✕ Entryway in divider too small for large cats |
All-In-One Litter Box Enclosure by Yaheetech: Most popular for functionality
Image courtesy of Miles
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Doubles as cat tree | ✕ Takes a while to put together |
| ✓ Hides box and scent well | ✕ Bed cube too small for large cats |
| ✓ Clear instructions | ✕ Scratching posts shorter than most cat trees |
Foldable Litter Box Enclosure by PetFusion: Most popular for easy assembly (and disassembly)
Image courtesy of Adrianna
Sometimes the best assembly is no assembly at all. Treat your feline companion like an Old Hollywood star with an understated clothing screen that comes fully constructed so you can simply set it and forget it. Because it’s not a full enclosure over the litter box, it doesn’t block the smell but still gives cats privacy. Additionally, the screen can block your pet from certain areas of the house. On top of all that, it costs just under $60 (while on sale), making it the cheapest item on this list.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Easy to set up and break down | ✕ Takes a while to put together |
| ✓ Good for blocking off areas of home | ✕ Some say it deteriorates quickly |
| ✓ Affordable | ✕ Doesn’t fully enclose litter box and block odor |
Planter Litter Box Enclosure by Bundle & Bliss: Most popular for odor control
Image courtesy of Koreena
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Filters eliminate odor | ✕ Have to reach inside or take apart to clean |
| ✓ Decorative plant design | ✕ Liners sold separately |
| ✓ Easy to assemble | ✕ Reviewers found it overpriced for quality |
2-Litter Box Enclosure TV Stand by PETSITE: Most popular for multiple cats
Image courtesy of Maddie
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Holds two litter boxes or cat beds | ✕ Divider entryways can be tight for larger cats |
| ✓ Doubles as TV stand or long end table | ✕ Some report missing pieces |
| ✓ Sturdy | ✕ Hard to clean spills |
Side Table Litter Box Enclosure by Dyag: Most popular for smaller units
Image courtesy of Trysta
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.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✓ Good for smaller units | ✕ Not sturdy |
| ✓ Legs keep it off the ground | ✕ Can’t fit litter box supplies in addition to box |
| ✓ Easy to clean | ✕ Some found it tricky to assemble |
The benefits of using a litter box enclosure
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:
Comfort
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.
Functionality
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.
Odor control
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.
Containment
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.
Keeping dogs out
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 by a vet or 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 pets — 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.
Frequently asked questions
How can I make my litter box area better?
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.
How tall should a litter box enclosure be?
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.
What makes a good litter box enclosure?
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.
How often should you scoop a litter box?
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.
What’s the best litter to reduce tracking?
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.
