Where you place your cat’s litter box has a big impact on how clean your apartment is and how well it smells. That’s especially true if you live in a small space like an apartment, where odors are concentrated and easily spread around.
That’s why it’s important to choose the best location for your litter box. By following these tips, you’ll be able to find the right place for your cat’s box without sacrificing hygiene or peace of mind.
Closets
In many apartments, finding the right space for a cat’s litter box is a challenge. Luckily, there are a number of ways to solve this issue!
The first thing to consider when choosing a location for your cat’s litter box is accessibility. The cat’s box should be easy for your cat to get to, without being too close or too far away from you and anyone else in the apartment.
It should also be far enough away from areas where you do not want to be exposed to odors, like your kitchen. If you do choose to place the litter box in a closet, make sure you keep it tucked out of sight and avoid putting clothes, linen, shoes or other items inside it that may absorb odors.
Another good option is to place the litter box in a bathroom or laundry room cabinet that is low to the floor and easily accessible by your cat. Leaving the doors open allows your cat to come and go as needed.
You can even repurpose an old end table or sideboard by tying fabric around the edges and sanding down the surfaces. This creates a cat-sized entryway that can be used for scooping or as a cat bed.
One unique idea is to hang a curtain over the area where the litter box will go, hiding it and keeping the odors from getting out of control. This will also allow you to change the litter easily without having to leave the door open.
If you’re in a smaller home or an apartment with multiple floors, a hallway can be an ideal place to put a cat box. But this might not be a good choice in a big house with lots of people or in an apartment with young children or elderly residents.
A bathroom can be a convenient place to have your cat’s litter box as well, especially if you don’t have a laundry room and are looking for a way to keep the area clean and free from odors. But if you do choose this option, be careful to clean it regularly and never leave towels or other items on top of the litter box.
Laundry Room
When you live in an apartment, finding the perfect spot for your litter box can be tricky. You need to find an area that is accessible and won’t be a distraction for your guests. It also needs to keep odors at bay.
In most cases, the best place for a litter box is in a room that your cat will be using frequently. This makes it easier for them to use the box when they need to.
A laundry room is another popular spot for a litter box because it’s often away from the living areas of an apartment. But this could be a bad location if your cat is skittish, as loud appliances and overpowering scents can scare them away from using the box.
To keep odors under control, choose an enclosed litter box that will trap a little bit of the smell and make it harder for people to notice. For example, this Litter Genie from Amazon is a compact box that fits snugly into a corner or space and gives your cat the privacy they deserve.
This box comes in multiple sizes so it will fit almost any space and is easy to clean. The high walls will help your cat feel more comfortable and the design prevents litter scattering.
Some apartments have hallway closets that are ideal for a hidden litter box. To make this work, prop the closet door open so your cat has consistent access to the box and store extra litter and a scoop in a cabinet or under the sink.
For a more creative approach, designers Tami Holsten of Bear Trap Design built a custom litter box in a bench seat in this laundry room in West St. Paul, Minnesota.
The litter box is located atop a sliding drawer that makes it easier to clean and gives Bubba access to his private bathroom, she says. She placed a mat outside the opening so that it won’t get tracked into the rest of the house when he kicks up litter, she says.
This clever solution is a great way to keep odors contained and save space, especially in a smaller apartment where it may be difficult to fit an enclosed litter box into an otherwise empty space. You can also repurpose an unused trunk into a covered litter box by installing a kitty door and placing your cat’s box inside. For even more storage space, store your cat’s scoop and liners under the lid of the trunk.
Linen Closet
Linen closets can be an ideal place to keep a cat’s litter box in your apartment. However, it’s important to make sure the room is free from carpet. This is because the litter can be tracked through the carpet, especially if it’s plush or fluffy.
A linen closet is generally an in-the-closet space that can be used to store sheets, towels, and other items commonly used in a home. In some homes, a linen closet also holds linens such as bedspreads, comforters, and draperies.
When it comes to organizing a linen closet, it’s best to remove anything that you don’t use anymore and get rid of any extra items that aren’t needed. This will give you more space to store things and make the closet more organized.
It’s also important to eliminate any clutter that has accumulated in the linen closet over time. Eliminate any toys, clothes that are ripped or stained, and any other junk you don’t need in the linen closet.
Then, start sorting the linen closet by category: putting towels on one shelf, and bedding and pillowcases on another. You can also use separate bins for different types of linens to ensure you have the right ones on hand.
Getting rid of excess items and organizing the linen closet properly will make it easy to find what you need when you need it. Once you’re done, it’s important to clean the closet regularly to keep it organized and smelling fresh.
Another great way to keep a litter box in your apartment is to create a space for it in a storage room, spare bedroom, or guest bedroom. These rooms can be quiet and private spaces that cats love to do their business in.
If you have a linen closet that’s carpeted, put an absorbent mat below the litter box to prevent tracking. The last thing you want is for the odor of the litter to soak through your carpeting and stick to your clothes.
Shoe Closet
In a large apartment, it can be difficult to find a location for your cat’s litter box that works well. For example, placing the box in your bathroom can be a big mistake because it will cause you to have to constantly clean up odors.
Fortunately, there are many other great places to put your litter box. Here are some of the best options:
Laundry Room
If you’re lucky enough to have a laundry room in your apartment, this might be a perfect place to keep kitty’s box. It’s out of the way, separate from the rest of your home, and it doesn’t contain your clothes, so it won’t absorb odors as quickly.
It’s also easier to clean since it won’t be sitting on top of your clothes that can stain and leave a trail of stinky laundry to follow you around the apartment.
Another great option is a closet with sliding doors. You can often find hallway and bedroom closets with this feature, and they’re a great place to hide your kitty’s litter box.
The best part about this type of closet is that you can usually keep it open for access without compromising your cats’ privacy or getting in the way of their toilet trips.
This is especially true if you use a lidded litter box, which means you’ll be able to use this space for other things as well. You can put a trash bin or other storage item in the closet, and keep your cat’s litter box nearby for easy scooping.
In the end, finding the right space for your kitty’s litter box is all about compromise. You’ll want a spot that gives your cat the easiest access possible, but you also need to consider the space’s aesthetic appeal.
Whether you decide to put your litter box in the bathroom, in a linen closet, or in a closet in your laundry room, remember that you’re responsible for keeping it clean and odor free so you’ll need to regularly wipe it down and replace the litter. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to maintain a healthy and happy home for your feline friends.