Cats bring a lot of fun and joy to our lives. That being said, dealing with the litter box is low on my list of chores I like to do!
I designed this DIY litter box out of necessity—I needed something that would keep the litter box from getting smelly and messy. Of course, I wanted to do it on a budget too!
While I’d like for you all to think that Miss Josie is truly this photogenic, I had to bribe her with a piece of turkey held over her head.
All of you cat lovers can agree just how special our feline friends are. Even if you love dogs too, there’s just something about cats that set them apart. Maybe it’s the fact that we’re not constantly tripping over them. Or the way they rub up against us and purr when they want attention or food.
Our kitty, Josie, “talks” to me by letting out this soft little “rumble” in response to something I say or do and it’s one of my favorite things she does.
As much as we love our cats, there’s one thing no cat lover is a huge fan of. The litter box. Right?
It can get smelly and messy when our dear sweet kitties track litter all over.
Mess-Free DIY Litter Box
Friends, say goodbye to the smelly messy cat litter box because I have a new kind of litter box for you.
A simple, mess-free litter box that you can easily make yourself. Even better? The entire project should cost you just a few dollars.
It’s the Original DIY Mess Free Cat Litter Box. I’m pretty proud of this one!
An Update on My Original Cat Litter Box with a Lid
A few years ago, my husband and I came up with this DIY cheap mess free cat litter box and it became one of the most popular posts EVER.
People LOVE this mess free cat litter box because it’s simple (anyone can do it), really cheap, and best of all IT WORKS.
And while there may be the occasional picky cat who refuses to change (we are generally talking about older cats here), most kitties seem to love it too. Yes, it’s a win for us owners, but it gives them more privacy too!
After all this time, and with the feedback of literally hundreds of people, it’s time to write an update.
Today, I’ll again share a tutorial for how to make the cat litter box (with better photos – my old photos make this photographer cringe!) and with a new twist – personalized decoration! Plus I’ll answer some frequently asked questions and comments.
What You’ll Need to Make the DIY Mess Free DIY Litter Box:
- 18-gallon tote bin
(you can use a larger size for a bigger cat) – I found ours at Walmart for under $8 - a plate (to trace the hole)
- a pen or marker
- strong scissors or a box cutter
- decal stickers for decorating the outside (optional)
- cat litter
(you can use a larger size for a bigger cat) – I found ours at Walmart for under $8
or a box cutter
for decorating the outside (optional)How to Make the DIY Cat Litter Box:
Like I said, this cat litter box is really simple to make.
Step 1: Trace the plate onto the bin lid.
I recommend tracing the outline on one end of the lid because this gives kitty more of an “entrance” area and then a “bathroom” area. Note: you can use a larger plate for a bigger cat.
Step 2: Carefully cut along the circle outline, using strong scissors or a box cutter.
This may take a few attempts -it’s okay if the rubber doesn’t cut all the way through on the first time. Just go slow and steady here.
Step 3: Decorate (optional)
I thought about many different ways to decorate the cat litter box, including spray paint or modge podge. But I remembered two things: 1) this is a cat litter box. And 2) I wanted to keep this a simple and cheap DIY project.
So…I decided to use decal stickers and the possibilities for decoration and personalization are nearly endless. This is also a fun part of the project for kids to help do!
I found these colorful letter decals on Amazon:
Here’s a more neutral alphabet:
Decal stickers are perfect because there’s easily removable, so it’s no issue if you ever need to remove them to wash out the litter box or you simply want a change in decor.
Step 4: Fill with Cat Litter
The last step is to fill your new cat litter box with cat litter.
Step 5: Put your new DIY Mess Free Cat Litter Box where you’ll be keeping it.
We keep Josie’s litter box downstairs in the corner of the family room. You can keep it in the laundry room or garage too—anywhere you’d like that your cat can easily access!
What Does Josie Think?
Even though Josie didn’t “approve” of me putting her back on the litter box for yet another photo, she loves her new “upgraded” cat litter box. She just might not admit it to you or me!
Frequently Asked Questions about this DIY Litter Box
As I mentioned above, this is an update to an older post. Over the years, I’ve gotten so many questions about this DIY cat litter box, so I wanted to answer the most common ones right here. If you have another question, just drop it in the comments and I’ll get back to you!
Question: I don’t think my cat will fit through the hole. He’s too fat!
You have a couple of options here, depending on just how large your cat is! You can:
- Simply make a larger hole on top of the bin.
- Purchase a larger bin from the store. Walmart, Target, and Lowes have tons of sizes to choose from. You’ll need more room where you’re going to keep the litter box so keep that in mind.
Comment: The urine-soaked litter will stick in the grooves at the bottom of the bin! This diy litter box won’t work!
Answer: First off, this may depend on what kind of bin you get. But in the almost 4 years we’ve been using our bin (yes the same one!), this has never been a problem. I always make sure to put 2-3″ of cat litter in the bottom of the bin.
If you barely cover the bottom, then yes, you’ll probably have litter stuck to the bottom, but fill it enough and you won’t have an issue. Obviously you’ll want to scoop and change the litter regularly. You can also spray out the bottom of the bin with a hose if you ever need to.
Comment: I don’t want my cat to jump on her poop!
Answer: Okay, this may vary from cat to cat, but this has never been an issue with our kitties. They’ve always covered their poop with the litter and we scoop regularly. Also by cutting the hole on the end of the litter box lid, you’re giving kitty one end to use as her toilet and the other end as her entrance/exit.
That’s it! If you make this DIY litter box, please let me know in the comments below how it’s working for you (and your kitty!).
Just pin it below to find the instructions later!
Kimberly Dickerson says
LOL Love the photo of the judging kitty. We made one of these litter boxes for our cats a few years ago but they refused to go inside. We solved that by taking the lid off.
Yay for litter that’s 99% dust free {I hate all that dust too}.
Mui says
Best & Easy Cat litter box – no Litter needed – my cat has been using it for over 5 yrs…no mess and easy to clean.
Tami says
For the commenter that didn’t want the cat to jump in on the poop – I put my cats regular box inside a larger tub with a litter mat in the space between. Then put the hole over that. Most cats burry their evidence UNLESS the box is too dirty. Let’s all be honest here, the times my cat has made messes can usually be traced back to me being forgetful or just plain lazy! 😜
lisalia says
WOW, what an awesome idea!! I am going to try to make one for Sparkles just to have another one on hand.
Debora Susan Waddell says
I have 5 cats. one of which is blind, and when he uses the litter box he seems to be trying to LITERALLY dig a hole to China-usually digging out a SUBSTANTIAL amount of litter. All my cats use the same litter boxes(I have four) with a pronounced preference for the one in the front room. As you can imagine I do a lot of clean up with all the litter boxes because of my Snowball-my blind sweetheart. Do you think this will work for him and the other 4?
Erika says
Hi Debora! I think it would work! It’s worth trying and at least, it’s inexpensive and easy to make so even if your blind kitty won’t use it, I’m sure the others will. Good luck!
Angela says
I have to bribe my pets with treats to get a decent shot too. Cute kitty! I love your diy litter box.
Jenn says
This is genius! When I owned cats they would make such a mess jumping in and out or covering their poop! This would be perfect. A nice private area to do their business!
Tasha says
My kitties are due for a new litter box soon. I’m think of making this for them. Is it really ‘mess free’? Wouldn’t all litter get tracked all over the top of the lid?
Erika says
Unless you have long haired kitties that get litter stuck on their paws, you shouldn’t have much, if any, litter tracked onto the lid. This has never been a problem with our short haired kitty. If there is a little, it’s still going to be far less than typical cat litter boxes and you could probably just sweep it back into the litter box.
Thanks for checking us out, Tasha! 🙂
Amy says
I currently use the traditional covered litter boxes with the door flap and I am continuously sweeping litter off of the floor. I like the idea of the top entry litter box, especially since my Doxie has now taken an interest in “tootsie rolls” from the kitties. However, my question is do you, or anyone reading this, have an issue with a lot of excess litter on the top?
Erika says
Amy, there’s almost no litter at all tracked on to the top with our kitty. And the teeny tiny bit that is can easily be swept back in. If you have a long-haired cat, you might have a little bit more because the litter can cling to their long fur, but even then, it’s less than other litter box methods. Gravity is in our favor here. 🙂
Lena says
Great idea. Silly question: is it possible for the bin to tip over?
Erika says
It’s going to be heavy with litter so it would take someone deliberately trying to tip it over with a lot of effort.
kami says
Can you use litter box liners with this?
Erika says
I’ve never tried, but you could probably use trash bags.
Phillius Thomas says
What about the litter that gets stuck in between their paws? My cat gets a bunch of litter stuck up in there, and lets it out slowly as she takes each step. The way it happens, it almost seems she is doing it on purpose.
Erika says
You must have a beautiful long-haired kitty! That’s never been an issue for our cat, but even so, this litter box will still cut down on the mess. Have a great day, Phillius!
Shana says
I saw on another Pin where they put a cat littler mat on the lid and cut the hole out of it to trap the litter that kitty may still have on their paws once they jump out! About to make one of these for my furbaby! I am tired of kitty litter all over my floor and this is an amazing DIY idea! Thanks for sharing 💖
Erika says
You’re so welcome! I hope your furbaby likes it. 🙂
sarah says
Something my husband mentioned that could be a problem… Our male cats dig really hard, and some litter comes out of the box. With one with covered sides, is it possible that the litter will get caught in their fur, making them essentially disperse it around the house? They are short haired.
Erika says
I highly doubt it, Sarah. I’ve been using this litter box for years with our cat and she’s never got litter stuck on her fur. I’ve also had literally thousands of comments and emails from people that have switched over to the mess-free litter box because it works so well. It’s at least worth a try since it’s so inexpensive and easy to make. Good luck!
Blue says
Hi, considering this for my cst. We presently use the breeze system. Which I can put the bottom half -minus the shield in the tote. Thinking of screwing in a couple of hinges so the cover would be easier to lift. Going to use kitty scratch pad to line the top to double use. By gluing 4 strips to ends of lid to make tray to hold the pads. Also put on tray with locking wheels so I can move it when I need to.
Will post pictures when completed. But thank you for idea. I just couldn’t see myself paying $269 + s/H + tax for the mod cat even if I did like the concept. It does use a removable liner –$25+ as well. I think it should be renamed the billionaire cat box –!
Thank you
Erika says
Great plan, Blue! I’d love to hear how it turns out.
Megan Manogue says
I made one just like this. The cats love it and the dogs are frustrated by it. Win. Win. I added a one of those mats that catch cat litter (Arm and Hammer makes them. I got mine at Walmart for about $5.00.)on the top and cut a hole to match the one on the lid. Almost NO cat litter mess around the litter box.
Megan
Erika says
I’m so happy to hear it, Megan. Thanks for the tip about the catch cat litter – I’ll check that out next time.
Cindy says
$5 for the tote, $5 for the mat. Well I wish these items were only $5 in Canada. Why is everything triple the price here as compared to USA, including homes? Yet salaries seem to be on par.
Erika says
I’m sorry, Cindy. 🙁
Cherree says
I am going to make one of your litter boxes. When I went to the pet store to see the $39 model the salesman said you can tape a charcoal filter to the inside top to reduce odor. They sell cat charcoal filters but he said the fish tank filters are the same thing and cheaper. You change it out every 2 weeks. I have the same problem keeping my dog out. Thank you for the great ideas.
Jennifer says
Hi! I love your litter box, but I was wondering if I could somehow make it work for a kitten? I’m picking smore up tomorrow, after work I’m going to buy her food and stuff, and I’d love to use this cat litter box! But she’s a tiny kitty, only 8 weeks old? Is this OK for her?
Erika says
Hi Jennifer, congrats on your new kitten! This particular style litter box is a little big for her. I would recommend just a plain ol’ small litter box for a tiny kitten. They grow so quickly, it will only be a month or two before she can use this big kind. Good luck!
Karen says
I have 7 indoor cats. They presently use the Booda covered litter box. I made one of the DIY top loader boxes yesterday. Not one of them shows any interest in it. I love the concept. I hope they adjust soon, as we are moving in a couple of weeks and the new box would be so much more helpful. I have lifted a couple of the kitties to the top of the box (it is set inside the spare bathroom tub), but I haven’t pushed them into the hole. Any other tips you might have to transition would be helpful. I have another Booda box located in another part of the home. Last night, it was used, exclusively.
Erika says
Hi Karen! I would try it without the lid – cats seem to naturally gravitate toward sand and litter-type things, so maybe that would spark their curiosity and be less “scary” then going into a hole.
I hope they try it soon! Good luck!
Karen says
No luck. Had to cut into the side for any interest at all. Thanks for the reply.
Erika says
Oh how frustrating. Cats are so funny like that! Good thing they’re so cute, huh?! 🙂
Cindy says
How many inches high is the tote?
Erika says
It’s 15.75″ high.
Kyle Carlson says
Yin really want to try this. My cat is 12. I’m wondering if this would be ok for her to jump in and out of everyday. Anyone have older cats that use this?
Marinda says
I have 3 cats. I made this about a year ago, and it’s the best ting ever !! I found a blue bin. I have mine up against a wall ,and figured out if I put the hole towards the back it cut down on litter tracking. All 3 cats will only use that box so I was able to get rid of the others I had. I guess they like that it’s so big and private. Someone got me a Black Hole litter Mat for Christmas..which has made it even better.
bet clift says
So glad I found this! I have litter sand all over my house! My dog uses the cat box Too! And when she does she makes a bigger mess than the cat! Now maybe with the box for the cat , there will be less to clean up. I am sure when the dog see the cat jumping in her new box..she will do the same. They think they are TWINS! So I will ahve to make 2!
Sunny says
Would putting a litter box liner work in this? It normally makes changing out the litter much easier for me by just pulling it out like the trash. Or what do you usually do with the litter when you want to clean the whole thing? Thank you!
Erika says
Hi Sunny, you can absolutely try a litter box liner, but it might tricky to find one that will fit. I do believe some people use a large black trash bag.
We don’t though; we simply dump this litter box upside down into a trash bag and empty it like that. If it needs any additional cleaning, I spray vinegar/water in the empty litter box, scrub it, then rinse it clean, dry and refill.
Hope that helps! 🙂
Stacie says
OMG THANK YOU THANK YOU. I have no idea how i just couldn’t think of this myself, I have a pain in the butt cat who PEES up the side of her DEEP/COVERED kitty litter box and it starts to come thru the seam where the top attaches to the bottom. I am in the market for a new one but was afraid of one that isn’t covered because she is so messy, this solves that problem. I cannot wait to get to the store to pick up the supplies and make this myself. What a life saver.
Erika says
I’m so glad this will help! Gotta love our kitties, they have minds of their own!
Nah says
I make one for my own cat and he totally loves it. Also reducing time to clean the mess. Now I only need 1-2 minutes to clean up.
Here is some pics: http://imgur.com/a/u25iA
Thank Erika! This is brilliant idea!
Bonnie says
I have a cat that does not like to use the litter box, it is really frustrating. So I am going to try this but with no top lid. We use the expensive cat litter too, the works best it’s a walnut shell I believe. Thanks for for posting this.
Frances L. says
This box is a Godsend! I have two 4 month old kittens that were throwing litter everywhere. I put this out yesterday and when I woke up this morning, the floor was still clean! Love, love, love it!!
K Mann says
Great idea. I think an added improvement would be to actually place a litter tray inside the container itself, one that doesn’t take up the whole space so allows a cat to drop inside, walk over & use the tray and jump out again. Two benefits:
1. No mess comes outside with the cat
2. It is easier to clean, just lift the container lid and take the tray out.
I saw a video on YouTube which does exactly this!
Deb says
Thank you for the idea, I had to cut the hole with a pocket knife, buts it’s done and my kitty seems to likes it.
TomD says
Hi Erika, I stumbled on you site while looking for, well…cat stuff…magin’ that! I really like your diy approach to “litter box reality.” I have always diy’d my litter box’s from storage crates. I know first hand cats have strange habits…My first foray, back in the day, was the hole in the top which didn’t work out so well. If you have an older or particularly obese cat, they just can’t, or want even try to get in. No problem…hole in the lid can be a vent…just cut the hole on the side or end of the crate…great, cat goes right in to use the facilities and proceeds to pee right out the back! LOL! Scratch that crate (ha) back to Target to get another, should have got two! There is wisdom in failure! No cat going to outsmart me, as they both sit there suspiciously and curiously watch me cut yet another hole in the side of yet another crate…will they sabotage this attempt? The long & short of this story, cats 3, me 1, it took three crates to get it right! Oh BTW…get the grates with the clips that hold the lid on…yep…both cats kept flipping the top off! Finally, best litter box ever and still in use!
Never underestimate the intelligence, wisdom or curiosity of cats! How wonderful life is!!
Calico Taylor says
My cat is a bit too small to jump in and out of the bin. is there a way i could fix that?
Erika says
You could try a smaller, not as tall bin?
Emma Leal says
How hard is it to carry to change out the litter? It looks like it would kill your back
Irma says
I have spent so much money getting different litter boxes for my cat. He is a bengal so he is very big and the pee splashed everywhere with any of the others. . I Really hope he likes it .
Erika says
I’ve got my fingers crossed for you!
Kathie Cash says
My 2 year old neutered male has started standing up to pee! What a mess! I took lid off his box and made him a tall 3-sided wall. Open completely in the front and probably 3 feet high. He’s still making a huge mess! He’s still peeing all over his back feet and dragging it with him. Saving grace is I had a doggie door installed on utility door out to garage and put his litter box out there. He comes and goes as he pleases and it keeps 90% of litter in garage.
I think I might try to put 2 large boxes together because he’s kinda wide.
Erika says
Oh boy, he sounds like a character! I hope you can figure something out that works!
Melody says
With no door, do you notice any smell with the open hole?
Erika says
Only when we go too long without scooping or cleaning the litter box. 🙂
Lucia says
I just found your great website! I want to try & make a litter box, but scissors or a box cutter are not quite working for me. Do you have any other suggestions as to what I can use to cut through thick hard plastic? Ty!
Erika says
Hi Lucia, the latest plastic containers are definitely more difficult to cut through than the older types! I had to make another cat litter bin a few months ago and struggled too. I found a good pair of kitchen shears worked the best because they are sharper. It wasn’t easy but it did work. Do be careful! Good luck!