Nightstand cat litter box

Question

I've been online for hours looking for a 3rd litter box for my 6 year old male cat who has decided to use my carpets/rugs as a litter box. I found a really cute one that looks like a storage or night stand, fully enclosed, but with an opening for the cat to get to the litter box. It ranges in price, anywhere from $100 to $144. It looks to be made of beadboard, has legs, and a shelf above it with 'legs' to create an opening between the shelf and the base. Does anyone have instructions or suggestions on how I could make one of these myself? It might not be as elaborate, but it wouldn't be as expensive, either. Thanks!
I tried to include a photo, but wasn't able to. There is a picture of it on Walmart.com or Amazon.com or Overstock.com, all at varying prices. Again, Thanks!

Susan · Answer

My suggestion is to first find out why he doing this. He may be marking his territory because of some sort of stress due to a change in the household. Also, he could have some health issue that needs to be addressed....such as a urinary tract infection. As for the litter box, my son made one out of a large, tall rubber bin with a lid. He cut a hole in the top for cats to climb in to access the litter. You need to attach a picture of the one you saw. If you need help attaching the picture, let me know

Wanda.ll · Answer

My hint is this . Once they start it is almost impossible to stop unless you take up the carpet they have peed on. The smell is still there and they will always go back no mater what. So if anyway get carpet up first. Then think about new litter box. Did you bring in a new cat?Change food or bring in a new person? If not then what about outside cats close to where he is? Cats are very ( this is my area).

Irene · Answer

Take the cat to the vet first to make sure there isn't a medical reason for his marking outside the litter box.

Ellen DeVilbiss · Answer

While I totally agree that first you need to deal with the cat's issues, I do know what you are trying to describe.  The cheapest way to do this is to repurpose an old nightstand or small chest/cabinet.  Look for something with a doored area on the lowest level.  This way you can open the doors to change the litter.  Remove any shelving that would obstruct the cat's access to the box and cut an opening on one side or in the back, wherever the best place is for where you plan to put it,

Shari · Answer

I definitely agree with everyone--first have your kitty evaluated for a medical problem. Also, have you recently changed litter? Fussy cats sometimes rebel over the slightest changes to their litter box. I know of one cat that stopped using his litter box when his owner sprinkled deodorizing powder ON TOP of his litter. However, when she mixed it into the litter, he was fine with it. As far as a cabinet to hide the litter box, go over to Pinterest and search 'dresser litter box* and there are lots of ideas for repurposing pieces of furniture into a litter box hideaway. You can also search internet images: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=dresser+litter+box&FORM=HDRSC2 Once you get an idea of what others have done, drop by your local thrift stores or furniture consignment shops, Goodwill, Salvation Army, or check Craigslist. I bet you can find lots small furniture pieces for very little money that could be easily converted. In some pieces of furniture it might be as simple as cutting a hole for the cat to enter/exit!

Mary Francene Gwin · Answer

my thirteen yr old cat started peeing in the middle of the bed when I started seriously dating a different mad........when I got rid of the boyfriend he quit.....guess I know what the cat thought of him,,,lol

Dee Lowe · Answer

I am having the same issue, since mine checked out ok at the vet I was told its a behavior issue-now I need to decide to get rid of the cat or not. I wouldn't normally ever consider this option but we moved into a brand new home and it stinks. She did this in the old house too.

Lindsey · Answer

(!) I have already taken him to a vet, who prescribed 'Composure' for him. We've had fireworks and a lot of afternoon storms lately. That could be why he's stressed. I ordered him a 'thundershirt' also. Hasn't arrived yet. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with him. He has been an indoor cat all of his life, 6 years.

I did try to attach a picture of the nightstand, but was unable to. I advised everyone where they could see it: Amazon,com,Walmart.com,, etc. Please look on there. Thanks! I don't think my boys would like the kind with the top opening.

Barb · Answer

There are many ideas on this on Pinterest.

Rose Marie Wilson · Answer

I found a photo on Amazon fairly quickly - I think it's the same or similar to what Lindsey is talking about. By the way, you could easily convert a thrift store, garage sale or curbside table or nightstand into one of these. As Barb said, there are a lot of these projects on Pinterest. I think I can upload the photo.

Rose Marie Wilson · Answer

Yay - uploading the photo was easy! The description disappeared though. This is the Merry Pet Cat Washroom - Night Stand Pet House, on Amazon.com.

Lindsey · Answer

Great! Thanks so much! I'll check them out.

Lindsey · Answer

It isn't that hard. I just go onto Amazon.com and search 'Cat litter boxes'. In this case, you could also put 'multifunctional hidden cat litter boxes' or just 'hidden cat boxes'. That will bring it up. it is white and looks like a night stand.

Karen Reilly · Answer

I was told that for most cats a cat box like this is like us using a porty potty and because of that you may be wasting your money. I suggest his own box in a large cardboard box to see if he/she will use it.

Laura · Answer

Many cats aren't 'cavers,' & won't like or use a covered litter box. Karen's suggestion is a great one, before going through building this, put his litter box inside a large cardboard box, cut an access hole in the cardboard box & see if this meets your furkid's standard for a bathroom. Hubby & I rescue cats, we have for many years. EVERY cat is different as far as bathroom preferences. Some won't use 1 box for both urination & deficating, some won't use the box if it's even slightly dirty, the list is truly miles long! Find out beforehand what your cat will tolerate, will save you time & aggravation on both sides if you remember to keep what he likes in his bathroom just as you have what you like in yours:)

Lindsey · Answer

Thanks. I just bought one at Petco that is an Omega Roll 'n Clean. I'm going to see if just having a covered box is something he would prefer. We used to have covered boxes until I got the Tidy Cat Litter Breeze system. He seemed OK with that until July 4th fireworks and the many storms we've been having lately (live in FL).

Nightstand cat litter box

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