A while back, we featured this cool Ikea-hacked litter box slash storage bench. If you're looking for a litter box solution that looks just as nifty but has half the footprint, check out this transformation of a simple Besta shelf unit.
Using a Besta shelf unit ($60) and a cat flap ($14) from PetCo, Toki's owners fashioned this simple, sleek unit that fits neatly into the bathroom. In addition to housing the litter box, it also even has room for a bit of storage. (We're assuming not for towels?)
(Images: Flickr member armst, licensed for use under Creative Commons)
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I love this! I just need to figure out a smaller version. We keep our litter box in the bathroom and we don't have enough room for this cabinet.
i need something like this...but where did the front panel/door come from? when you click on the ikea besta link, it just shows an open shelving unit, which won't really hide my cat's litterbox...
it looks like the shelf is just turned around and the back board is hinged to become a door.
katiem92 --
they make doors to fit them. if you do a search on ikea's website, you'll probably find one in the appropriate size for this cabinet.
this is a fantastic idea, btw! too bad i just got my cat a booda dome!
katiem92 - you can purchase doors for the besta extension units. not easy to tell on the ikea webpage, but if you look at pictures of the besta system, you can get doors to cover everything. ikea's very modular.
i really like this hack. if only my bathroom were big enough for such a thing :)
You know, I've been trying to figure out how to build myself one of those fancy "furniture" litter boxes for a long time ('cause they're over $200!). I never thought to use a cat flap! Duh!
Very clever.
We did a similar thing with ikea kitchen pantry closets...used as storage in the living room..no one knows they're there either...that stool has been replaced with an acrylic riser
http://www.flickr.com/photos/taracakes/1537030338/in/set-72157601942807540/
My husband and I made one of these out of a cabinet we already had. We put a cat flap on the side and use the front opening doors to clean the litter. We also put a large cuphook inside to hang the scoop and a small broom/dustpan. It's been great! I highly recommend it.
How did *I* not think of this a long time ago?
BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT! BRILLIANT!
I tried something like this but my cat ended up tracking the litter EVERYWHERE. I know this is a common problem so we just ended up putting the litterbox in the bathtub (we have two bathrooms). It stops the litter tracking but its really annoying to clean and move the box when we have guests. Anyone have any hack solutions that also solve the litter tracking problems? I've considered the modkat box but I just can't convince my hubby to spend $180 on a litterbox...
The cat's expression is like, "uh whoa dude, didn't know you were taking pictures"!
Nice hack.
ashbadger-try putting a rug in front of the litter box. One that's meant for a door entry way. It works for my kitty.
To avoid tracking, go for a "jump in" (as opposed to a set in) litter box. My cat loves to scratch around after going and used to kick/track litter all over the place. The jump in has stopped this and I'm sure this hack could be modified to put the entrance on top of the unit, though I would go for a lower height version if you can find it.
Silica crystal litter tracks far less than clumping clay etc. A rug/mat really helps, too.
I always love this "lets hide the litter" posts.
I made my cat litter box with a Rubbermaid Roughneck Storage Box [http://bit.ly/b6rynY]. I just made a whole on the lid so the cat gets inside and the litter doesn't come out. Works perfectly for me and kitty. She quickly got used to it.
It does what the Modkat would do but WAY cheaper.
No need to be snide, SwedishChef. Everybody poos... even cats.
SwedishChef, you can simply insert a cat flap into the Lucite trunk featured yesterday:
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/boston/lucite-trunk-by-serge-de-troyer-110251
Such synergy!
In my old condo I bought an actual litterbox cabinet. The cat opening was on one side and I kept it by the front door. Most people didn't even know what it was until I pointed it out. But it was pricey and if you have the tools this DIY hack is MUCH cheaper.
A shaggy bath mat or small rug helps to grab quite a bit of the stray litter and it's an inexpensive option. I have a traditional plastic litter box with a cover and I just put the rug right outside of the opening to trap the litter. Shake it out from time to time and all should be well. Hope that helps.
A shaggy bath mat or small rug helps to grab quite a bit of the stray litter and it's an inexpensive option. I have a traditional plastic litter box with a cover and I just put the rug right outside of the opening to trap the litter. Shake it out from time to time and all should be well. Hope that helps.