How to Build a Cat Litter Box

Whether you are feeling creative or you are just trying to save a few bucks, building your own cat litter box won’t take too much time or hard work. You can make the litter box as simple or complex as you want, depending on how much time you have, your skills and how much you want to spend on it (and how spoiled your cat is). With just a couple of accessories—or a few more, if you decide to get inventive—your cat can have a relaxing place to go.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Plastic bin
• Knife/Heavy-duty scissors
• Litter
• Wood, fabric, paint or other decorative covering (optional)
• Cat door (optional)
• Filter (optional)

1. Plan according to what you need. Decide where the litter box will go and how big it needs to be. (If your cat is still small, think about how big it will get.) Determine how complex you want to make the task and what you will need to get it done—plastic bin, cat door, filter, knife/scissors, litter and decorative accessories.
2. Proceed to a local home-and-garden store or a department store storage section. Pick out a plastic bin in the size you need. Also think about color (or get a clear one) and whether you want to get a lid on it. You can make a simple cat litter box with only a plastic bin, but if you decided to decorate the box, build around it or add your own touches, pick up those items, too. Get a strong knife or heavy-duty scissors that are useful enough to cut through your plastic choice if you need them.
3. Position the bin on the ground with the lid/open side facing up, as it normally would sit. Likely on the wide, “front” part of the bin, draw with a permanent marker or heavy pin three or four straight lines where you intend to cut the opening for the cat to enter (two side lines, one on the bottom and possibly a top line). Leave enough room on the bottom to pour in a good bit of litter, but don’t cut it too high as to where the cat has to jump in the litter box. Leave enough room on the sides to hold the lid on, if applicable, and keep the litter box sturdy. If you choose to cut the top part of that side off, draw a line, but you do not have too; just make sure your cat has enough room to get in the box.
4. Cut along the lines with heavy duty scissors or a strong knife. Keep the plastic you cut off so you can trim it and make a cat door for the litter box. Or if you prefer, you can get rid of it.
5. If you choose to do so, you can build around the bin with wood or other items to “hide” the litter box, or you can decorate it with paint, fabric or other material.
6. You also may choose to add a filter at the top inside of the litter box or add another form of odor control.

Tips & Warnings

• Most cats should fit inside a 60-quart bin or larger.
• When you are shopping for your litter-box materials, you might also want to invest in litter-box liners, scoopers and litter-mat trackers.
• When you are making your cuts, wear safety gloves and use safety precautions so you don’t cut yourself.