A decor expert shows us how she makes her cat’s loo work in her small space.
Andréanne Dion, with files from Alexandra Gater Updated September 21, 2023 Kitten Treats
It’s a cat’s world, and we’re just living in it. Case in point: We happily put up with bulky and unsightly litter boxes for the love of our furry friends. But no matter where you hide it—behind a bedroom door, in the bathroom, tucked away in a closet—a kitty bathroom takes up valuable real estate. (And, let’s be honest: It isn’t always so easy on the nose, either.)
Decor YouTuber and small-space expert Alexandra Gater shares the affordable Ikea hack that she uses to keep her space mess-free and her cats, Lottie and Boo, happy.
(Video stills, youtube.com/alexandragater)
First, figure out which side you want the opening to the litter box to be on. Then, trace the template that the pet door comes with onto the cabinet side. (If you aren’t using a door, use a ruler to trace a rectangle big enough for your cat to fit through.) Cut it out using a jigsaw.
Pro tip: The pet door is optional. Instead, Gater sanded the opening smooth and glued on wooden trim painted in the same colour as the cabinet for a sleeker look. If you decide to use a pet door with a flap (we love this adorable cat-shaped pet flap!), you might have to guide your cat into the litter box a few times until they understand how to use it. Keep lots of treats on hand!
(Video stills, youtube.com/alexandragater)
This step makes a big visual impact and helps ventilate the interior of the cabinet. From each door, cut out your desired shape (arches are trendy, but rectangles look great, too!) with your jigsaw.
Pro tip: Make sure to cut far enough away from where the hinges will go on the backs of the doors to ensure the piece is still sturdy and functionally sound.
(Video stills, youtube.com/alexandragater)
Cut down a piece of cane webbing (like this top-rated one) large enough to cover each hole. Secure to the backs of the doors over the openings using a staple gun. (The cane webbing not only looks good but also keeps air flowing.)
Pro tip: Soak the cane webbing in warm water for 30 minutes to make it pliable.
(Video stills, youtube.com/alexandragater)
Paint or stain the cabinet pieces, assemble them, and add legs, if desired.
Pro tip: Gater recommends using a pet-safe wood sealant inside the cabinet to make the interior easier to clean.
Want to treat your furry friend? Shop four picks for the cat who (almost) has it all.
Gater swears by tofu litter made from soy pulp, as it does a great job of controlling odours.
Keep this sleek scoop, brush and dustpan set on hand to make quick work of messes.
This chic scratching post protects walls and furniture and can double as an end table.
Not up for a DIY project? This premade cabinet is designed specifically to conceal a litter box.
Trenchless bentonite While the product in this piece has been independently chosen by our editors, this article contains affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through links on our site at no additional cost to you.