How do you hide the litter box without hindering your cat’s access to their bathroom? With hidden litter box furniture! Learn why there are benefits to hiding the litter box, especially inside a stylish piece of decor. Check out our top picks for hidden litter box furniture below.
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Why use hidden cat litter box furniture?
There are always reasons to hide the litter box. Litter boxes are inherently not the most lovely, appealing items in your home, and if they happen to exist in shared space, like a bathroom or laundry room, you may not want to be constantly confronted by a box of pee and poop.
You may have a small apartment where you don’t want the litter box out in the open, or dogs in the home that like to sniff out “treats” in the litter box. As long as it is easily accessible to your cat, a hidden cat litter box can be a real benefit to your pet household.
Small spaces
If you live in a studio or small apartment, you probably have limited options for where to place the litter box—and even fewer options for where to hide one. Maximizing space (and vertical space!) therefore becomes paramount.
A piece of hidden litter box furniture should not only hide the litter box in your small space, it should provide functional use in other ways. Think storage, shelving, or even a TV stand.
Aesthetic
Even a litter box with a modern design may not jive with your home decor. At the end of the day, it’s still an appliance that holds your cat’s waste! Hiding the litter box inside a stylish piece of furniture is the ideal way to “dress up” your cat’s toilet. Chances are good that your guests won’t know there’s a litter box in the house, period.
Dogs at home
The icky fact is, many dogs eat cat poop if given the opportunity. A dirty open litter box is a veritable treasure trove of snacks for your scavenging pup. Not only is this behavior gross, it can make your dog sick and create a big mess for you. While there are many dog-proof litter box options out there, the simplest choice may be to invest in hidden litter box furniture.
Odor control
The litter box inevitably stinks. However, the more barriers between the litter box and the open air, the better the odor control will be. Whether that’s a covered litter box or hidden litter box furniture, less exposure to air will result in fewer odors. Just make sure the litter box is easily accessible for your kitty!
Privacy
For many cats, using the litter box is a private experience. Your cat may feel vulnerable if forced to use the litter box out in the open where heavy foot traffic occurs. As a result, they may choose to go to the bathroom outside of the litter box. Hidden litter box furniture provides your kitty with some well-deserved concealment!
Cat furniture trends
There’s a nearly infinite list of options when it comes to how you, as a cat owner, can choose to situate your cat’s litter box within your shared living space. After all, you’ve got to live there, too, so you want to make sure that you’re also comfortable with the arrangement.
Modern and stylish designs
Sleek lines, minimalist designs, and stylish materials have become popular among pet parents who prioritize aesthetics. Best when your cat furniture seamlessly blends into your home decor.
Multi-functional furniture
Cat furniture that serves multiple purposes, such as acting as an additional shelf, hiding spot, and or cat perch, has been in demand. Furniture that can be integrated into human living spaces while offering functionality for cats is highly sought after.
Natural and organic elements
Furniture incorporating natural materials like wood has been increasingly popular, and that's true for litter box furniture as well. This trend aligns with the desire for a more organic and visually appealing environment for both pets and their humans.
What makes good litter box furniture?
Ask yourself this question: What makes a good piece of furniture for you? Is it pretty, comfortable, practical, what you need, and worth the cost? Here are some of the main points of consideration when it comes to cat furniture:
- Material: Cats can be messy, and some materials are easier to clean than others. Furniture with smooth and wipeable surfaces may be preferable to both cats and their owners. In addition, cats may have specific texture preferences when it comes to sitting or lying down. Some may prefer smooth and natural, non-slippery surfaces like wood.
- Functionality: hiding the litter box is great but the ideal litter box furniture should also serve another purpose and function as a table, credenza, decor items, or other to truly maximize space and function.
- Easy to clean: the enclosure should be accessible so you can slide the litter box tray out and refill the litter compartment. If not, you should continue your search for a different piece.
- Good design: in addition to fitting your design style, you will also want to ensure that the piece has clever placement of doors, walls, and flap to give your cat privacy while still being easily accessible.
- Cat-preferred: the most important feature for your litter box furniture is if it is cat-approved! If your feline refuses to use the new furniture, it is not worth the money. Look for furniture that cats can also climb that will be well-made and stable.
- Multi-cat friendly: if you have multiple cats, look for furniture that accommodates more than one at a time to reduce territorial disputes.
- Scratch-friendly: cats need a place to scratch and stretch their claws, preferably on different types of surfaces. Without a proper outlet, your cat may start to tear apart your furniture.
The best cat litter box furniture options
It’s easy to make the case for hidden cat litter box furniture. But how do you find pieces that are functional without sacrificing your home interior design? Find out why litter box furniture by Whisker is the premier choice in both design and functionality.
The best hidden litter box furniture from Whisker
Whisker makes two pieces of litter box furniture built in partnership with Sauder and assembled in the USA. Both take any Litter-Robot model or a traditional litter box, and both are designed around the criteria above rather than adapted from human furniture.
For smaller spaces: Litter-Robot Cabinet
The Litter-Robot Cabinet measures 35.43" W x 27" D x 36.18" H. Its enclosed design keeps the litter area tucked away from the rest of the room, which helps contain odor. Paired with Litter-Robot's carbon-filtered waste drawer, you get a second layer of containment.
Why it works as litter box furniture:
- Access: A side entry you configure on the left or right, so the opening faces whichever way your room allows.
- Easy to clean: A pull-out base gives you 360° access to the unit for scooping, emptying the waste drawer, and refilling litter.
- Material: A durable laminate finish that stands up to everyday wear and wipes clean.
- Fit: Works with every current Litter-Robot model, and also with a traditional litter box. Compatible with LitterHopper for Litter-Robot 4, 5, and 5 Pro.
For more room and more function: Litter-Robot Credenza
The Litter-Robot Credenza measures 51.34" W x 27" D x 36.18" H, roughly 16 inches wider than the Cabinet. That extra width is what makes it multi-functional: there's room for litter and supplies alongside the unit, and at that size the top works as a TV console or entryway surface.
Why it works as litter box furniture:
- Functionality: Doubles as a media stand or console rather than sitting in the room as a single-purpose object.
- Access: Same configurable left- or right-side entry as the Cabinet.
- Easy to clean: Pull-out base with 360° access.
- Fit: Room to spare around any Litter-Robot model. Compatible with LitterHopper for Litter-Robot 4, 5, and 5 Pro, and with the Litter-Robot 4 Ramp.
Hidden litter box furniture FAQ
Which is better, a covered or uncovered litter box?
Is a covered litter box better? Your cat may prefer a covered litter box like Litter-Robot for added privacy, which will aid in odor control as well as viewing the unsightly contents inside the litter box. On the other hand, some cats prefer an uncovered litter box for an open-air experience.
How can I hide the cat litter box from my dog?
The easiest way to hide the cat litter box from your dog is inside a piece of litter box furniture, which allows full access to your cat while restricting your curious canine. You can also place the litter box out of your dog’s reach on a counter or behind a pet gate.
How do you hide a litter box in plain sight?
The best option to hide a litter box in plain sight is with hidden litter box furniture. You’ll have a stylish and functional piece of furniture that just happens to hold the litter box inside, hidden from view! Your cat will also have easy access to their litter box.
