Where to put a litter box in a small apartment may be a question you are asking yourself.
First of all, congratulations on your new digs. This is an exciting time.
Living in a small apartment can be a rewarding experience for you and your beloved cat. Cats are known for being adaptable to smaller living spaces, and one of the advantages of having a cat as a pet is that they don’t require accompanied outdoor trips for bathroom breaks.
However, finding the ideal place to conceal your cat’s litter box while still making it accessible can be a challenge. Today we’ll explore various creative solutions and locations to discreetly house your cat’s litter box in your small apartment.
Litter Box Placement That Complies with Apartment Agreements
One essential aspect to keep in mind is the need to make any changes to your living space in a way that complies with the rules and regulations of the apartment complex.
This includes modifications to cabinets or other spaces. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative and temporary solutions available that won’t damage your apartment.
From removable cabinet doors to tension rod curtains, these adjustments can help create a comfortable environment for your cat without violating any lease agreements.
Cats Make Great Apartment Roommates
Having a cat in an apartment can be a truly wonderful experience. Cats are known for their adaptability to smaller living spaces, making them fantastic companions for apartment dwellers. They bring joy, comfort, and companionship to your daily life, often with their unique personalities and playful antics.
Moreover, cats can provide a sense of tranquility and emotional support, turning your apartment into a cozy and welcoming home. With the right approach to accommodating your cat’s needs and ensuring they coexist harmoniously with your living space, having a feline friend and roommate in an apartment can be a rewarding and enriching experience for both of you.
Places to Put a Litter Box in a Small Apartment
Unused or Inconspicuous Corner
If you have a corner that is unused or behind your sofa or recliner, that can be a great place to designate for the litter box. Invest in a tension rod or a no-hole, removable adhesive mount rod so you don’t have to risk your damage deposit. You can just hang a little curtain on the rod, and your cat will have visibility to the litter box, but it will be out of sight for humans. Be sure to measure your little box to make sure it will fit in the designated corner.
Room Dividers and Portable Partitions
We love it when a piece of furniture can perform double duty. There are unlimited styles, shapes and sizes of room dividers. Many of them are free-standing and can fold flat – accordion style when it’s time to move. There are room dividers that have shelving, which serve as a room divider, a cat litter box concealer, and shelving. That’s a good piece of multi-use furniture.
In addition to the accordion style, there is also a curtain style. The room dividers can let light through or be opaque, depending on your needs and style.
Free Standing Clothes Rack
Another multifunctional piece of furniture that can serve as a place to stash the kitty box and double as a place to hang your clothes is a free-standing clothes rack. Many of them have a two-tier configuration, and you can hang a little curtain on the bottom for the litter box and hang your shirts and blouses on top. Many have wheels, so you have the option to move to another area if your cat does not like the current location.
In a Linen Closet
A linen closet can be a great choice for the litter box. Keeping the litter box on a washable surface is always advisable, meaning not on carpet. If the area is carpeted, you have some choices. You can buy a small remnant of vinyl flooring and lay it on top of the carpet, place the litter box in a bigger tote, or buy a litter-trapping mat.
Next to the Toilet in the Bathroom
The space to either side of the toilet may be an option. The bathroom floor is usually a nice sweep-able, washable surface. This space is probably best for traditional, open tray type litter boxes and the ones with lids usually take up more space, especially height-wise.
In a Bathroom Cabinet
Don’t worry, this doesn’t involve cutting any holes or risking your damage deposit. Many apartments have vanities (cabinets) under the sink. This is a great spot to give your cat its own little bathroom while still having storage space for your toiletries.
Measure the space to see if your litter box will fit. It may even be large enough to accommodate a covered one.
Carefully remove the cabinet door and store it in a safe place. You can reinstall it when it’s time to move out.
You can choose to place a tension rod with a curtain in the opening for more privacy for the cat and to keep the litter box out of sight.
Under Kitchen Sink
You want to keep your cat away from any chemical cleaners and you want to keep cat elimination away from food and cookware, but provisions can be made to make the space under the kitchen sink work.
Just like the bathroom cabinet, you can simply remove the cabinet door and keep it stored away until you decide to move.
You can use a tension rod and hang curtains to cover the opening. You can match the curtains in your kitchen, if you have them, or make curtains that match your kitchen linens.
In Tub or Shower
While this option is not appealing to many, others claim it works like a charm. Be sure to invest in a good strainer for the drain to keep litter out.
In a Spare Bedroom
If you have a spare bedroom, this can be a good option. A less-used bedroom will provide a private, quiet place for the litter box.
Under a Desk
Check the space under a desk. Perhaps there is enough room under or a bit of dead space to the side of where your legs go, that could work.
Behind your Sofa or Recliner
This can work well, especially if the sofa or recliner is placed at an angle to the corner of the room. This can give your cat a little extra privacy and room.
Under Stair Area
While it may not be all that common to have stairs in an apartment, only you know your accommodations.
If you do have an under-stair area, this space is often too cramped or awkward for regular human use. You may be able to create a little nook with curtains or room dividers. There are even lower-height pet dividers available online or at pet stores.
Under the Bed
The space under the bed can be another place to squeeze out every inch of usable space in your small apartment. Provided your bed has enough clearance for your cat to move freely and do its business, this can be a great use of dead space.
If your room is carpeted, you may want to buy a remnant of vinyl floor to lay on top of the carpet to protect it and your damage deposit.
Another option is a large rubber or silicone pet mat with a raised edge.
Balcony or Catio
If you have a balcony and live in a climate where year-round conditions allow for it, this may be a win-win for you and your cat. The litter box won’t take up valuable indoor real estate and any odors will waft away outdoors.
Assess your balcony, sun exposure, and protection from wind and rain, and use your common sense to determine if this is a viable option or not.
Behind Closed Doors – Oh No!
If you are going to keep your cat’s litter box in an area where the door could possible close, consider getting a product such as a Door Buddy.
The Door Buddy is apartment-friendly and helps keep your cat from getting closed in or out of the litter box area.
In addition to helping keep your cat safe, these types of products can also keep toddlers and dogs out of the litter box while allowing access to the cat.
Cat Litter Box Premade Furniture
A quick search online will provide many styles, options, and sizes of premade cat litter box furniture. These specialized pieces of furniture are often attractive and multipurpose. They can serve not only as litter box holder but also a TV stand, end table, coffee table, or cabinet.
If the furniture will fit in the apartment, we always love getting double-duty out of a piece of furniture.
Pop-Up or Tent Style Litter Box Enclosure
The pop-up or tent style enclosures are lightweight and can fold down to a compact size. Many of them can also be used when you travel, letting your cat know the proper place to use the litter box when in a new environment.
Cat Tree with Litter Box Compartment
We are talking today about litter box placement in small apartments, but with all the available options and configurations, there may be one that works in your space.
These pieces of furniture are multifunctional but more for your cat than for you. A cat tree with a concealed litter box compartment also provides a place for your cat to lounge (and possibly look out the window), play, and scratch.
Creative DIY Options for Cat Litter Box Placement
If you don’t opt for the premade choices, you can always try a DIY solution with a piece of furniture you already have or find at a thrift shop.
Many of the DIY suggestions will involve cutting a hole in the piece of furniture to allow the cat access while still keeping the integrity of the piece of furniture.
In order for the furniture to have a finished look, and to keep the edges of the opening smooth for Kitty, you’ll want to invest in a cat door frame. These come in a variety of sizes, styles, and with or without flaps.
Choose one that will fit your cat and your style.
TV Stand or Console
If you already have a TV stand with cabinet doors or a console, you can cut a hole in the back panel to allow the cat entrance.
Be sure to leave space between the wall and the cabinet for easy access. You may need to remove some shelves to ensure your cat has enough space to move freely.
In a Wardrobe or Armoire
Similar to the TV stand, you can cut away some of the backer board for the entrance. If that is not an option, check to see if you can make an opening on one of the sides and add a cat door.
Dresser or Chest of Drawers
This can be a clever hack and also serve as storage.
You can cut away the bottom portion of the backing board for the entrance. You can disassemble the bottom drawer so that all you have left is the front of the drawer.
This will be a false front; you will need to glue it to the chest of drawers to look visually normal.
The upper drawers can hold cat food, the scoop, toys, or whatever you like.
Storage Ottoman
A storage ottoman with a removable lid can be a good solution. Cut a hole in one end and install the cat door frame. This option keeps litter contained and the removable lid makes cleaning and scooping easy.
In a Trunk
Like the ottoman, converting a trunk can serve a dual purpose. It can be your coffee table and cat litter box. The lifting lid can make cleaning and scooping easier.
Storage Bench
Storage benches are often placed near the entrance of your home to allow you to sit down while removing boots or shoes.
They often have a lift-up lid that provides extra storage. A hole can be cut in one end, and a litter box placed inside.
Open-ended Cube
There are cube style end tables. Instead of having the opening against the floor, turn the cube onto another side and have the open end facing the wall.
You can paint or decorate the cube to match the rest of your decor.
Super-Econo Cardboard Box
Same concept as the open-ended cube. If you are on a tight budget or just need something to get the litter box out of sight while deciding on another solution, an overturned cardboard box with an entrance hole cut out might just fit the bill.
You can cover the box with wrapping paper or even a tablecloth.
Side Table – Small End Table with Tablecloth
Inexpensive side tables or end tables can be found in thrift shops. Don’t worry if it is does not match your current decor, you can cover it up with a tablecloth to add a pop of color and give your cat their privacy.
You can cut a slit in the back to provide “tent flap” easy access for your cat. You can hem the slit or glue it with fabric glue for a neat appearance.
Tips
- Ensure easy access and ventilation for your cat.
- Prioritize safety by avoiding toxic materials and avoiding door closures.
- Maintain cleanliness and odor control through regular cleaning.
- Monitor your cat’s behavior to ensure they are comfortable with the new setup.
Finding the ideal spot for your cat’s litter box in a small apartment may require some creativity, but with these innovative ideas and considerations, you can create a harmonious living space for both of you.
