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Last updated on October 7, 2026
A DIY litter box enclosure hides the box inside something that looks like furniture. It works best when there’s enough interior room, some ventilation and easy access for scooping.
Measure your litter box and your cat first, then plan for ventilation, a door or lid you can scoop through, a protective lining and an opening your cat can use easily. After that, pick your build: an IKEA hack, a repurposed cabinet, or a simple curtain.
Would you rather buy one ready-made? Our best litter box furniture guide compares finished options.
Plan Your DIY Litter Box Enclosure Before You Build
Measure the box, not the space. Measure your litter box’s length, width and height, including the lid or dome if it has one. Then find furniture that fits it with room to scoop, not the other way around.
Leave room for your cat. Your cat should be able to get in, turn around and dig without crowding the walls. Our best extra large litter box guide covers box sizing.
Size the opening to your cat. Your cat should be able to enter and exit without squeezing, and the enclosure should still leave enough room around the box to turn and scoop.
Plan for ventilation. A closed cabinet holds odor in. Cut vents or a mesh panel in the back or side, or use furniture with an open back.
Build in scooping access. A door, hinged panel or lift-off top that opens fully over the box makes scooping easy. If you have to drag the box out every time, it’s harder to keep up with.
Line the inside. Wood-based panels and unfinished edges can be damaged by moisture, so protect surfaces and seams that could be exposed to litter box spills.
Choose the spot your cat already uses. Put the enclosure where your cat already uses the box, when you can.
Option 1: An IKEA Hack
IKEA systems are popular DIY starting points because they come in many sizes and configurations. Check the exact panel construction before cutting, since materials vary by product. Depth also varies a lot between models, and some are shallower than a standard litter box, so measure the exact unit before you buy.
- BESTÅ: cabinets with door options. Owners often cut an entry in a side panel.
- KALLAX: cube shelving. Some owners use a large cube with a cut-out front.
- PLATSA: a modular system that suits built-in setups in a specific spot.
- IVAR: solid pine shelving and cabinets that take paint or stain.
Whichever you use, line the inside and add ventilation.
Option 2: Repurpose Furniture You Have
An old cabinet, nightstand or dresser can look more like real furniture than a flat-pack unit. Take out any drawers or shelves in the way, cut an entry, seal the inside and check the box fits before you commit. Older cabinets are often closed tight, so add vents in the back panel.
Option 3: A Curtain or Tension Rod
The quickest version needs no cutting at all: hang a curtain on a tension rod across an alcove or under a counter, with the box behind it. It hides the box, leaves the space open and is fully reversible. It offers less containment than a solid cabinet. If space is the real problem, see our best litter box for small bathrooms guide.
What to Put Inside
An open box gives your cat room inside the enclosure, and the enclosure itself becomes the cover. A mat at the entry can catch some loose litter as your cat exits. See our best cat litter mat guide.
Common Mistakes
- Measuring the space instead of the box.
- No ventilation.
- A door that doesn’t open fully over the box.
- Skipping the protective lining.
- An opening your cat has to squeeze through.
- Moving the box to a less accessible or much busier location.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IKEA furniture works for a litter box enclosure?
BESTÅ, KALLAX, PLATSA and IVAR are common choices. Depth and panel construction vary by model, so check the exact unit against your box first.
How big should the entry hole be?
There’s no single size. Your cat should go in and out without squeezing. Make it bigger for bigger cats.
How do I keep the smell down?
Ventilation and regular scooping matter most. Add vents or a mesh panel, and choose a litter that controls odor well. Our best cat litter for odor control guide covers options.
Can an automatic litter box go in a DIY enclosure?
Sometimes, but check the machine maker’s clearance, floor, ventilation and service-access requirements before building around it. Leave enough room for the waste drawer, lid or globe to move exactly as the manufacturer requires.
