The simplest ways to keep a litter box out of sight
A litter box does not have to sit in the middle of your living room. You can hide it behind a closed door, inside a cabinet, under a sink, or in a decorative enclosure designed for the purpose. The key is choosing a spot where your cat can reach it easily and where you can still clean it without moving furniture or crawling into tight spaces.
The best hiding spots are ones your cat already knows about and ones you can access in under a minute. A litter box that is too hard to reach will not get scooped as often as it should, and a cat that cannot find the box will use your carpet instead.
Key Takeaways
- Litter boxes work best in low-traffic areas with a door your cat can push through, such as a laundry room, basement, or spare bathroom.
- Decorative litter box enclosures and furniture-style covers hide the box while keeping it accessible, though they take up floor space and need regular ventilation.
- Cabinet-style setups with a cat door cut into the side work well in kitchens or hallways but require some basic carpentry or a pre-made unit.
- Closed closets and under-sink spaces work only if your cat can open the door or if you prop it open enough for entry and exit.
- Whatever hiding spot you choose, make sure you can scoop it daily without moving obstacles or bending into uncomfortable positions.
Behind a closed door in a laundry room or bathroom
The easiest hiding spot is a room your cat can access but your guests cannot. A laundry room, spare bathroom, or mudroom works well because these spaces already have doors and are usually away from the main living area.
Install a cat door (also called a pet door) in the bottom of the existing door, or prop the door open just enough for your cat to slip through. A cat door is a small hinged flap that lets your cat in and out while keeping the room closed to people. They cost between $15 and $50 and take about 15 minutes to install with a drill and screwdriver. If you rent, propping the door open with a doorstop is free and leaves no permanent marks.
This setup works best if the room has good air flow. A closed bathroom or laundry room can trap odors, so crack a window or run a small fan if the space feels stuffy. Scoop the box at least once a day, and change the litter completely once a week.
Inside a decorative litter box enclosure or furniture cover
A litter box enclosure is a box or cabinet designed to hide a standard litter pan while your cat uses it. Some look like wooden furniture, others like storage benches or side tables. They range from $40 to $300 depending on size and material.
The advantage is that an enclosure sits anywhere in your home—a bedroom corner, living room, or hallway—without needing a separate room. The disadvantage is that it takes up floor space and can trap odors if air does not move through it well. Look for enclosures with ventilation holes or a removable top so you can scoop easily. Some have a hinged roof or side door for access.
Before you buy, measure your litter box and make sure it fits inside with at least an inch of clearance on all sides. Your cat needs room to turn around and dig. If the enclosure feels cramped, your cat may refuse to use it.
Under a sink or in a cabinet with a cat door
If you have cabinet space under a kitchen or bathroom sink, you can fit a small litter box inside and cut a cat door into the cabinet front. This works well in kitchens because the box stays close to where you prepare food but hidden from view.
To set this up, remove any pipes or storage from inside the cabinet, measure the interior space, and choose a litter box that fits with room to spare. Then use a jigsaw or drill with a hole saw to cut a 4-inch to 6-inch opening in the cabinet door or side panel, about 2 inches from the bottom. Sand the edges smooth so they do not catch on your cat's fur. You can buy a plastic cat door insert to fit the hole, or leave it open.
The main drawback is moisture. Sinks leak, and litter absorbs water. Line the cabinet floor with a waterproof mat or plastic sheet before you set the box down. Check under the sink weekly for leaks or dampness, and replace the litter more often than you would in a dry space.
In a closet with the door propped or fitted with a cat door
A spare closet or coat closet can work if your cat can get in and out. The simplest method is to prop the closet door open with a doorstop or wedge so there is a gap wide enough for your cat to pass through. This keeps the box mostly hidden while staying accessible.
If you want the door fully closed, install a cat door in the closet door the same way you would in a room door. Measure the height of your cat's shoulder and cut the opening about 2 inches below that point, centered on the door. A cat door insert costs $20 to $40 and comes with a frame and hinged flap.
Closets tend to be dark and poorly ventilated, so turn on a small battery-powered light or leave the door cracked slightly to let in air. Scoop daily and change litter weekly to prevent odor buildup.
In a corner behind a room divider or screen
If you do not have a separate room or cabinet space, a room divider or decorative screen can block the litter box from view while keeping it in the main living area. A folding screen or fabric divider costs $30 to $100 and takes no installation.
Place the litter box in a corner, then position the divider in front of it so your cat can slip behind but the box is not visible from the couch or doorway. This works best in bedrooms or home offices where the divider does not interrupt traffic flow. In a living room, a divider can feel awkward and take up valuable space.
The downside is that odor spreads more easily in an open room. You will need to scoop twice a day and change litter more often than you would in a closed space. A small fan or air purifier near the divider helps control smell.
What to avoid when hiding a litter box
Do not put the litter box in a space your cat cannot reach without help. If the box is behind a locked door, in a basement your cat is afraid of, or in a room that is too hot or cold, your cat will find another place to go—usually your bedroom or bathroom floor.
Do not hide the box so well that you forget to clean it. A box you cannot reach in under a minute will not get scooped as often as it should. Litter that sits for days smells worse and makes your cat more likely to go elsewhere. Choose a hiding spot that is straightforward for you to access, even if it is less convenient for guests.
Do not use a space with poor air flow, such as a sealed closet or the back of a cabinet with no ventilation. Ammonia from urine builds up quickly in enclosed spaces and can damage your cat's respiratory system. If you use an enclosed space, make sure air can move through it or plan to change the litter more often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put the litter box in my bedroom closet?
Yes, if your cat can access it easily and you do not mind the smell in your bedroom. A closet works best if you prop the door open or install a cat door so your cat can enter without pushing. Scoop twice daily and change litter weekly to keep odor down. If the closet is small or poorly ventilated, consider a different spot.
Will my cat use a litter box inside a decorative enclosure?
Most cats will, as long as the enclosure is large enough and has good air flow. Before you buy, make sure the interior is at least as wide and long as your current litter box, with room for your cat to turn around. If your cat is large or older, a cramped enclosure may discourage use. Test it for a week and be ready to move the box back to an open spot if your cat refuses.
What is the best litter box location if I live in an apartment?
A bathroom or laundry room with a cat door works well in apartments because these rooms are usually small and away from living areas. If you do not have a spare room, a decorative enclosure in a bedroom corner or a room divider in a hallway keeps the box out of sight. Avoid putting it in a kitchen in an apartment, since odor travels easily through shared ventilation systems.
How often should I change the litter if the box is in a closed space?
Change it completely once a week in a well-ventilated room, and twice a week in a closed closet or cabinet. Scoop clumps daily no matter where the box is. Closed spaces trap ammonia, so more frequent changes prevent odor and respiratory problems for your cat.
Can I use a litter box cover to hide the box?
A litter box cover is a dome or hood that sits on top of the box. Some cats like them because they feel enclosed, but others dislike them because they trap odor and make the space feel cramped. If you use a cover, choose one with ventilation holes and scoop twice daily. Many cats prefer an open box in a hidden room to a covered box in the open.