Help! Where Should I Put My Litter Box In My Small Apartment?

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Where to put your cat’s litter box in a small apartment can be mind-boggling. There are so few options and several important factors to consider, like odor and space. Panic no longer, as in this article we’ll share some creative ideas for seamlessly integrating your cat’s little box into a tiny living environment. 

Let’s dig in!

Is Apartment Living With a Cat Possible? 

Yes, apartment living with a cat is possible. It can be a wonderful experience for both the feline and its human. Cats are highly adaptable creatures and can thrive in smaller living spaces as long as their needs are adequately met. 

The key to successful apartment living with a cat is creating a comfortable and stimulating environment. For example, provide some vertical spaces such as cat trees for climbing. Playtime and interactive toys are good for mental and physical health. 

Maintaining a consistent routine for feeding and litter box cleaning also ensures a happy apartment-living cat. 

Will a Litter Box in a Closet Make Clothes Smell?

Putting a litter box in a closet may seem like a good solution in a small apartment, but it can potentially lead to unwanted smelly clothes. Litter boxes, even when regularly cleaned, can emit odors. When in a confined space like a closet, these smells might absorb into fabrics. In addition, if your closet has little ventilation it could exacerbate the issue.

We recommend finding an alternative location for the litter box with some distance from clothes storage. Let’s take a look at some alternative ideas for a small apartment.

Suggested Reading: Is your cat peeing outside of the litter box? Learn why and what to do about it.

Where To Put a Litter Box in a Small Apartment

Finding the perfect spot for a litter box in a small apartment can be a creative challenge. Consider your cat’s needs and preferences, while also ensuring the litter box is placed in a way that minimizes odor, provides privacy, and doesn’t take up valuable living space. 

Use an Empty Space in Existing Structures

Finding room underneath a structure is an excellent way to use otherwise open space. For example, if your bed has enough clearance, consider placing the litter box under it. It keeps the litter box out of sight while maintaining easy access for your cat. Or if your apartment has a staircase, see if there’s space and easy access underneath. Placing the litter box under a bench or end table against a wall also works. You can decorate the area so the litter box is hidden seamlessly with your apartment’s design.

Transform Cabinets

Another easy and affordable idea is to transform a lower kitchen cabinet into a concealed litter box area. For example, remove one of the cabinet doors and replace it with a cat flap for easy entry and exit. Put the litter box and some storage for cat supplies like litter bags and scoops inside.

Reimagine the Design of a Room

If you have a larger bathroom or a laundry room, look for unused nooks or corners where you can tuck in the litter box. Or consider adding a curtain or folding screen to create a private space while still allowing your cat to access their litter box easily. Balconies or enclosed patios are also good places for the litter box, as long as you live in a climate that allows the cat to go outside year-round. You’ll also need to consider a cat door so they can access the litter box around the clock.

Get a Cat Tree With All the Amenities

Our favorite solution for a small apartment is to get a custom-designed cat tree that includes a discreet compartment for the litter box. These pieces of furniture often come with multiple levels for your cat to play, sleep, and scratch, while also keeping their litter area hidden away. 

By combining functionality, aesthetics, and your cat’s comfort, you can find the perfect creative spot for the litter box in your small apartment. In addition, if you’re bringing a new cat home, it’s the perfect time to find a litter box that fits within your home.

5 Best Litter Box Ideas for a Small Apartment

We pulled together five of our favorite litter box ideas for a small apartment. These ideas can also be used in other spaces such as an RV, a boat, or any size apartment or house.

1. GDLF Hidden Litter Box Nightstand

The GDLF Hidden Litter Box Nightstand features an enclosed space for the litter box and a scratch pad. The modern-style nightstand is perfect for the bedside or an end table in your living room. It’s also stackable, so you can add another for storage or more shelving space. It’s available in three different colors and the dimensions are 33.4 inches long by 18.5 inches wide by 20 inches high. 

2. Lulive Cat Litter Box All-in-one Cat Indoor House with Platform

The Lulive Cat Litter Box All-in-one Cat Indoor House with Platform is the perfect way to fit all your cat’s needs into a small apartment. It has an enclosed compartment for the litter box at the base and on the top there’s a cat tree with scratching posts, a hanging ball, and three comfortable platforms for your cat to rest. The dimensions are 19.7 inches long by 31.5 inches wide by 51.2 inches high.

3. Good Pet Stuff, The Original Hidden Litter Box (Faux Planter)

Good Pet Stuff’s Original Hidden Litter Box is a fun and decorative way to hide your cat’s litter box in any space. It’s in the shape of a planter with an artificial plant on the top. Your guests will likely be fooled by the hidden litter box. The planter comes in three different colors with dimensions of 19 inches by 19 inches by 20 inches, and each has a green faux palm plant. 

4. GDLF Large Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture with Shelf

The GDLF Large Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture with Shelf is the perfect addition to a small apartment. It has an enclosed litter box at the base with a scratch pad for your cat. On top of the base, there are three wooden shelves that give the entire piece of furniture a modern, rustic look. It comes in light brown or dark brown, and the dimensions are 35 inches long by 17.7 inches wide by 52 inches high.

5. BEWISHOME Litter Box Enclosure Furniture with 4 Tier Shelves and Door

The BEWISHOME Litter Box Enclosure Furniture with 4 Tier Shelves and Door fits in the corner of a room, keeping it out of the way and highly functional. It has a litter box at the base with a cat door, and above it is four angled wooden shelves for decorations, books, cat supplies, and more. It’s made of engineered wood and metal with dimensions of 22 inches long by 16.5 inches wide by 62.2 inches high.  

Where Should You Not Put a Litter Box? 

There are certain places where you should avoid putting a litter box to ensure a pleasant living environment for you and your guests. It’s best to steer clear of high-traffic areas like the living room or kitchen. However, that’s not always easy in a small apartment. So, try the most out-of-the-way spot that has good ventilation. Somewhere your cat can feel comfortable and private while attending to its litter box needs. Most of the options on our list afford your pet privacy and keep the odor to a minimum as long as you clean the box regularly.

Pro Tip: Traveling with your cat and a litter box may be easier than you think. Just like small apartment living there are solutions for transporting cats and their accessories.

Help Your Cat Live Its Best Life in a Small Apartment

Your cat can live its best life in a small apartment. Just be sure to get creative with the litter box to keep your fur baby happy and in a healthy routine. Likely, your cat will be ecstatic to be able to keep an eye on you at all times in a tiny living space!

Do you live in a small apartment with a cat? If so, what solution have you found works for the litter box placement? Share your tips in the comments below.