When it comes to providing your cat with a comfortable and private space for their litter box, a litter box enclosure can be an excellent solution. Litter box enclosures offer not only a designated area for your cat to do their business but also help contain odors and maintain a clean and aesthetically pleasing environment. In this article we will go over what to look for in litter box furniture, what to avoid, and give you our picks for the best litter box furniture on the market.
Here at tuft + paw, we are cat experts. We're intimately familiar with the litter box features that are most important to cats and cat parents alike. This list is based on consultation with a veterinarian, cat behaviorist, hundreds of online reviews, and our own experience as cat parents to determine which litter box furniture products offer the best overall performance.
Tip: If you're specifically looking to combat litter box stink, check out our list of the best litter boxes for odor control.
Cheat Sheet: The Best Litter Box Furniture & Enclosures
1) tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure
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Pros
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excellent build quality, durable materials, easy to clean, accessible entry, well-ventilated, decent visibility, stylish design, litter box + cleaning tools included, doubles as side table |
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Cons
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pricey |
| Materials | premium plywood with ash veneer, metal, plastic, rubber |
| Price | $699 |
2) Frisco Side Table Litter Box Cover
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Pros
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decent build quality, easy to clean, stylish design, doubles as side table, easy assembly |
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Cons
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high + small entryway, so-so ventilation + visibility |
| Materials | engineered wood, metal legs |
| Price | $120 |
3) The Refined Feline XL Litter Box Cabinet
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Pros
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solid quality, easy to clean, carbon filter compatible, storage drawer, comes with liner, large size, detail options |
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Cons
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pricey, so-so ventilation, mixed assembly reviews |
| Materials | plywood, oak veneer |
| Price | $275 |
4) Linkwood Litter Box Enclosure
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Pros
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affordable, large size, easy to clean, doubles as side table, easily accessible, well-ventilated, decent visibility |
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Cons
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mediocre quality, challenging to assemble, small entryway, might not match with every decor style |
| Materials | manufactured wood |
| Price | $90 |
5) Yaheetech Washroom Bench Litter Box Enclosure
| Pros | affordable, easy to clean, doubles as side table, easy assembly, easily accessible |
| Cons | low quality, so-so ventilation & visibility, cramped for large cats, small entryway |
| Materials | medium density fiberboard, metal hardware |
| Price | $72 |
What Is a Litter Box Enclosure?
A litter box enclosure, also known as a litter box cabinet or litter box furniture, is a specially designed piece of furniture that discreetly houses your cat's litter box. It provides a concealed space for your cat to use the litter box while also serving as an attractive addition to your home decor. Litter box enclosures often feature openings or doors for easy access and ventilation to minimize odors. These products vary greatly in quality depending on their material, structural integrity, and design, so it's important to do your research before purchasing a litter box enclosure.
What to Look For In a Litter Box Enclosure
When selecting a litter box enclosure, there are several key factors to keep in mind:
Size
Consider the size of your cat and the litter box they already use. Ensure that the enclosure is spacious enough for your cat to enter, turn around, and comfortably use the litter box.
Accessibility
Look for an enclosure with convenient access points for both cats and humans. The enclosure should have an entry/exit point near ground level so cats of all sizes and mobilities can easily step inside. It should also have doors or removable panels that allow cat parents to easily clean or change the litter box.
Haven Litter Box Enclosure by tuft + paw - Shop Here
Ventilation
Proper ventilation is crucial to minimize odors and maintain a fresh environment for your cat's use. Ensure the enclosure has adequate airflow through vents or gaps to prevent the buildup of moisture and unpleasant smells.
Visibility
Cats feel more comfortable and secure when eliminating if they can see their surroundings. A good litter box enclosure will incorporate grates or windows for this purpose. This is especially important in multi-cat households to prevent cats from ambushing each other.
Material and Durability
Opt for a litter box enclosure made from sturdy and durable materials that can withstand regular use. If it doubles as a nightstand or table, it should be strong enough to hold whatever decor you put on it. Also look for materials that are easy to clean (e.g. engineered wood) to maintain hygiene.
Style
With plenty of litter box enclosure options on the market these days, you can often find a design that complements your home decor. Your cat won't notice the difference, but humans certainly will.
What to Avoid In a Litter Box Enclosure
We've covered what to look for, but here are some specific things to avoid when shopping for a litter box enclosure:
Cramped Spaces
Avoid enclosures that are too small or shaped in a way that restricts your cat's movement. Cats need enough space to move comfortably and not feel confined when using the litter box.
Poor Ventilation
Steer clear of enclosures with inadequate ventilation. Insufficient airflow can lead to odor accumulation and discomfort for your cat.
Difficult Cleaning
Avoid enclosures that make it challenging to clean the litter box. A litter box enclosure should facilitate easy access for regular scooping, cleaning, and litter changes.
Litter Box Enclosure Tips
Consider these additional tips to ensure both you and your cat have a pleasant experience with a litter box enclosure:
Gradual Introduction
Introduce the litter box enclosure gradually to your cat. Place the enclosure near their litter box at first and encourage them to explore it. You can either place another litter box in the enclosure from the start, or gradually move the enclosure and their old litter box closer together, eventually placing the old litter box inside the enclosure.
Positive Reinforcement
Encourage your cat to use the litter box enclosure by providing positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, whenever they use it correctly. This will help them associate the enclosure with a positive experience.
Placement
Choose a suitable location for the litter box enclosure. Find a quiet and low-traffic area where your cat feels comfortable and secure. Avoid placing it near their food and water bowls.
Proper Maintenance
Some litter box enclosures suffer from the same issues as covered litter boxes: they trap odors inside. To avoid this problem, clean the litter box enclosure daily to maintain hygiene and minimize odors.
Our Criteria For Choosing the Best Litter Box Furniture
- Build quality — A good litter box enclosure should be sturdy and made from durable materials.
- Size — From a cat's perspective, the bigger their litter box, the better. A good litter box enclosure should provide enough room for them to easily turn around.
- Cat-friendly design — This includes ventilation, visibility, and how accessible the entryway is.
- Ease of cleaning — how easy it is to scoop and change the litter inside the litter box enclosure.
- Other features — many litter box enclosures are multi-purpose, often doubling as tables or nightstands.
- Style — Cats don't care much about aesthetics, but it sure is nice for cat parents! We love litter box furniture that does its job well and is easy on the eyes.
- Price point
Deep Dive: The 5 Best Litter Box Furniture & Enclosures
1) tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure
Price: $699
Rating: 5/5 with 6 reviews
Size: 32”L x 19”W x 24.5”H. Max litter box size is 21”L x 17”W.
Materials: Premium plywood with ash veneer, metal, plastic, rubber
Disclaimer: Yes, we included our own litter box enclosure here. This is because we truly think it performs excellently compared to other litter box enclosures on the market. We subjected it to the same scrutiny as every other litter box on this list and asked for honest opinions from experts and cat parents.
Our pick for the best litter box enclosure is the tuft + paw Haven. This piece's build quality really shines compared to the competition, with its premium plywood construction, ash veneer, and durable metal hardware. It looks and feels how nice furniture should—stable, solid, and stylish. The interior is spacious enough for all but the largest cats and the front grate provides soft light and airflow. The drop-down front panel allows for easy cleaning, and the entryway functions like a litter mat to catch particles on your cat’s paws. It also comes with a plastic litter box, scoop, brush, and dustpan.
The only big weakness of the Haven is how pricey it is. We understand it’s not within every cat parent’s budget, but it still represents a great option for those who want to invest in a piece of litter box furniture that will last for years.
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2) Frisco Side Table Litter Box Cover
Credit: Chewy
Price: $120
Rating: 4.6/5 with 29 Chewy reviews
Size: 24.5”L x 22”W x 24”H. Max litter box size is 23"L x 20"W.
Materials: Engineered wood, metal legs
Frisco has a few options for litter box furniture, but this mid-century modern side table is our favorite. It combines decent materials and a competitive price point into a package that's also pretty nice to look at (we do love MCM here). It's made from engineered wood and metal hardware, and most reviewers found it straightforward to assemble. We also like the cabinet doors that provide easy access for cleaning. It's certainly not the sturdiest litter box enclosure on our list, but it does what it's supposed to—support a litter box and a cat.
Unfortunately, it's not the most cat-friendly in it's design, with little ventilation or light openings aside from the entry hole and a tiny gap in the cabinet doors. The entry hole itself is also quite small and high off the ground, which could be inaccessible for senior cats and those with reduced mobility.
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3) The Refined Feline XL Litter Box Cabinet
Credit: Refined Feline
Price: $220-330
Rating: 4.3/5 with 115 Amazon reviews
Size: 33.5"L x 22.75"W x 28"H
Materials: plywood, oak veneer
Aside from our number one pick, the Refined Feline Litter Box Cabinet has probably the best construction quality on this list. Like the Haven, it's made from plywood and wood veneer, and we appreciate the range of color, door, and feet options. The design itself is very simple, but what it lacks in panache it makes up for in versatility and functionality. Inside the cabinet are a litter liner and storage drawer to help keep your cat things organized. A nice final touch are the back vents which are compatible with carbon filters.
On the con side, some reviewers found it challenging to assemble this enclosure, which in some cases led to a wobbly structure. The price tag is also fairly high, which may not appeal to all cat parents. Finally, the back vents are quite small and may not be large enough to allow effective airflow into the cabinet.
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4) Linkwood Litter Box Enclosure
Credit: Wayfair
Price: $90
Rating: 4.5/5 with 659 Wayfair reviews
Size: 31.5”L x 20.9”W x 19.4”H
Materials: Manufactured wood
Our fourth pick is the Linkwood Litter Box Enclosure, a solid option for cat parents who want a cat friendly enclosure for a reasonable price. This piece is fairly large and roomy, with slatted cabinet doors that keep the interior bright and well-ventilated. The low entryway is easily accessible for most cats, it's easy to clean, and it serves double duty as a side table. Not too bad!
Unfortunately, at this price point the quality is not very good, with some reviewers complaining about durability and hardware issues. This goes hand in hand with the other most common complaint—the difficult assembly process. The front entryway is also quite small, so large or chubby cats may have trouble entering. Last and least, the rustic design limits its styling versatility, which may not match with everyone's decor.
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5) Yaheetech Washroom Bench Litter Box Enclosure
Credit: Chewy
Price: $72
Rating: 4/5 with 25 Chewy reviews
Size: 19”L x 20”W x 20.5”H.
Materials: Medium density fiberboard, metal hardware
Yaheetech's Washroom Bench enclosure is our budget pick for those who want to keep their cat's litter box discreet. It's affordably priced, easy to clean, and it doubles as a simple side table which, realistically, doesn't have to go in the washroom. It's nothing fancy, but it does its job and isn't an eyesore.
Of course, for this price point, the quality isn't great. Most complaints concern issues with the materials, ranging from paint chipping, to warping, to the fibreboard absorbing urine (yikes!). The ventilation and the visibility are just so-so, and the small interior and entryway could be cramped for large cats. There used to be a larger version of this same enclosure, but unfortunately it was unavailable at the time of writing.
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Conclusion
A cat litter box enclosure offers an effective and stylish way to provide your cat with a discrete and personal space for their litter box needs. Our personal favourite is the tuft + paw Haven Litter Box Enclosure, but any of the options listed here could serve you well. Considering factors such as size, accessibility, and material, you can choose the right enclosure that meets both your cat's and your aesthetic preferences. Just remember to introduce the enclosure gradually and maintain regular cleaning, and your kitty's new furniture will be a hit in no time. Good luck!
FAQs
Will my cat easily adapt to using a litter box enclosure?
Most cats can adapt to litter box enclosures, though it may not always be their first choice and may take some time to adjust. Gradually introduce the enclosure and provide positive reinforcement to encourage their use. If they don't take to it after a couple weeks, it's probably best to stick with a traditional open top litter box for their comfort.
Are litter box enclosures suitable for larger cat breeds?
Yes, there are litter box enclosures available in various sizes to accommodate larger cat breeds. Ensure the enclosure offers enough space for your cat to move comfortably.
Can I use any type of litter with a litter box enclosure?
In most cases, you can use any type of litter that your cat is accustomed to using. However, consider litter that minimizes tracking and dust for easier maintenance.
Do litter box enclosures eliminate all litter box odors
While litter box enclosures help contain and minimize odors, they may not completely eliminate all odors. Regular cleaning, proper ventilation, and using odor control products can further reduce odors.
Can I customize or decorate my litter box enclosure?
Yes, you can personalize and decorate your litter box enclosure to suit your preferences. Just ensure that any modifications or additions do not compromise the functionality or safety of the enclosure.
