Where To Put a Litter Box: Top 10 Cat Litter Box Placement Ideas
When It Comes to Litter Box Placement, Even Garfield Has Standards
If you think your cat doesn’t care where they poop, think again. Even the famously lazy Garfield wouldn’t dare relieve himself in a noisy hallway or next to his lasagna dish. Truth is, cats have very particular tastes, especially about their litter box locations. And if you live in a small apartment or a tiny home, finding the best place for a cat litter box that satisfies your cat and your design sense can feel like solving a Rubik’s cube in the dark.
This guide is your feline-friendly map to mastering cat litter box placement. We’ll walk you through what makes a good spot, what to avoid, and give you 10 practical ideas for litter box placement that don’t involve hiding it behind a curtain like some medieval secret. Whether you’re managing a studio apartment litter box conundrum or just want more cat litter box privacy, we’ve got options for every layout. And every cat!
Why Litter Box Placement Matters
Cats aren’t just picky eaters, they’re also picky eliminators. Where you place the box can affect everything from your cat’s comfort to their behavior and your home’s vibe. Get it wrong, and you could end up with protest pees on your new rug. Get it right, and it’s like giving them their own tiny powder room.
The concept is simple: cats crave a mix of privacy, accessibility, cleanliness, and safety when it comes to doing their business. Placing a litter box next to a loud washer-dryer in a hallway might seem convenient for you, but for a nervous kitty, it could feel like trying to use a porta-potty next to a jackhammer.
Think of it like choosing a public bathroom. Would you rather use one in a peaceful, semi-private corner or one right next to a restaurant kitchen with the door always open? Exactly.
So let’s dive in. These are the top 10 ideas that balance cat litter box location with design smarts and practicality.
1. Inside Stylish Litter Box Furniture For Luxury & Discretion
If you want to conceal the box without sacrificing aesthetic, litter box furniture is the MVP. It keeps the box out of sight and can even double as a console table or bench. Consider The Refined Feline’s Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe, a beautiful wood-veneered piece that comes in colours like Smoke Gray and Mahogany and is made to blend in with upscale interiors, from minimalist to modern vintage.
These enclosures aren’t just pretty; they also offer built-in cat litter box privacy, odor control, and space for charcoal filters.
Purr-fect for: Living rooms, hallways, or anywhere you want style and utility.
2. Under a Console or Side Table for Space-Saving Subtlety
Have a side table gathering dust? Slide in a compact litter box, add a drape or curtain to soften the edges, and voilà, you’ve got a functional cat restroom that doesn’t scream “TOILET INSIDE.”
This DIY approach is ideal for renters or small apartments where every inch matters. Add a litter mat underneath to control scatter and protect your flooring.
Bonus: Use the table top for your coffee, books, or even a faux plant to draw eyes upward.
3. Inside a Closet with a Cat Door for Hidden Accessibility
This is a genius move for anyone wondering how to conceal a litter box without impeding your cat’s access. Spare closet? Cut a small cat door into it or leave the door ajar. Add a compact or corner litter box, maybe even an odor filter, and you’re good to go.
Add a wooden litter catch at the entrance, like the one from The Refined Feline, to trap any stray litter before it spills into your main space.
Tip: Make sure you’re not storing loud or smelly cleaning products in the same closet.
4. Under the Bathroom Sink for a Classic Hideaway
If your cat has 24/7 access to the bathroom, this is a practical and popular pick. Tuck the box under a vanity, or use a litter box enclosure to keep it looking neat.
Cats are used to the sounds and smells of bathrooms (you know, like humans), and there’s often tile flooring that’s easy to clean.
Best for: Single-cat homes or apartments where space is tight but functional.
5. In the Laundry Room for Quiet Functionality
If you have a laundry room that isn’t high-traffic, this can be one of the best places for a cat litter box. The hum of machines is soothing to some cats, and there’s usually a trash bin nearby for easy scoop-and-dispose action.
Just be sure to keep the washer/dryer closed and avoid scented products, which may deter your cat from using the box.
6. Inside a Self-Cleaning Cabinet For Minimal Effort
Love your cat but hate the scooping? Understandable. The UBPET Pro Self-Cleaning Litter Box inside The Refined Feline’s Self-Cleaning Cabinet is a dream combo. The cabinet hides the tech, contains odors, and includes a hole for the power cord with moisture-resistant materials built in.
Best for: Busy cat parents and design-lovers who want invisible automation.
7. Corner of the Living Room for Strategic Style
Living in a studio or tiny home? The living room corner might be your only option. Use corner litter box furniture or place a screen around a minimalist box.
Products like the Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe with color-matching screens offer both privacy and décor harmony, while charcoal filters help eliminate odor.
Try this: Angle a floor lamp and a plant nearby to draw attention away from the box.
8. Inside a TV Console or Bookshelf Unit for Ultimate Concealment
If you’re handy, remove a shelf or panel in a TV unit or bookcase and slide in a concealed litter box. This turns wasted storage into an upscale cat nook.
This setup works beautifully with minimalist aesthetics and can be upgraded with odor-absorbing filters or a self-cleaning tray insert.
Make sure there’s a clear pathway and enough height for your cat to move comfortably.
9. Behind a Folding Privacy Screen for No Renovation Requirements
This is an easy way to section off the box in a shared space, especially helpful for renters. Choose a modern folding screen or room divider and place it around the litter zone.
You can even place the Refined Litter Box Deluxe behind it for an extra layer of cat litter box privacy while still giving them space.
Plus: It’s mobile. Rearrange your room? Just move the screen too.
10. In a Dedicated Cat Room or Nook for The Feline Dream Suite
Got an extra room, stair landing, or built-in wall nook? Turn it into a dedicated cat corner. Add their litter box, a cat tower, and a water fountain to give them a space they own.
Combine this with the Litter Catch to reduce mess and improve cleanliness, especially in open layouts.
Stylish Solutions with The Refined Feline
If your goal is a concealed litter box that doesn’t scream “cat zone,” The Refined Feline has a piece for you. From the wood-finished Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe to the Self-Cleaning Litter Box Cabinet and UBPET Pro system, each product is built with both design and feline comfort in mind. Many pieces come in multiple finishes and are designed for easy access, cleanup, and odor control.
Browse The Refined Feline’s collection here.
Key Takeaways
- Cats need quiet, private, and accessible spots to do their business comfortably.
- Avoid noisy appliances, food areas, and high-traffic spots for better litter box success.
- Litter box furniture helps conceal the box stylishly in shared or small spaces.
- Bathroom, closet, or laundry setups work great for space-saving litter solutions.
- Use charcoal filters, wooden litter catches, or enclosed cabinets for odor and mess control.
- Match your box placement to your lifestyle and your cat’s habits for the best results
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where do most people keep their cat litter box in a small apartment?
Most small-apartment dwellers place the litter box in the bathroom, laundry closet, or a piece of litter box furniture in the living area. These spots offer a good balance between privacy and convenience without dominating the aesthetic.
2. How do I hide a litter box in plain sight?
Use furniture-style enclosures like the Refined Cat Litter Box Deluxe, or modify a cabinet, bookshelf, or TV console. Pair it with a charcoal filter or a wooden litter catch to maintain hygiene and air quality.
3. Is it okay to put a litter box in the living room?
Yes, especially in small homes or studios. Choose a low-traffic corner and conceal it with litter box furniture or a privacy screen. Add plants or lamps to draw visual focus away.
4. What is the best place to put a litter box for odor control?
Places with good ventilation like bathrooms or laundry rooms help minimize smell. Use charcoal filters, clumping litter, and frequent cleaning to keep odors in check.
5. Can I put two litter boxes side by side?
If you have multiple cats, it’s better to place their boxes in separate locations. This reduces stress and territorial issues. Follow the “number of cats + 1” rule for the ideal number of boxes.
6. How can I make my litter box area look nice?
Choose concealed litter box options, match the color to your decor, add a small rug or mat, and place functional accessories like odor filters or self-cleaning systems. The goal is harmony, not hiding it, but integrating it beautifully.
