Is the problem of litter box alternatives giving you a headache?
Without a doubt, litter boxes for cats are the best thing since sliced bread. They are super handy, super effective, and they keep not only us but also our feline buddies happy all day long. Can you imagine what our life and our house would be without them? Wait, stop, don’t! You do not want to see that traumatic sight.
Still, there will eventually come a time that you have to bid farewell to your trusty litter box due to certain issues. So, what if you just cannot get a new one ASAP, and your little cats are in a desperate need to use the loo?
Tricky question? Well, no longer would it be if you know these 5 cool litter box alternatives!
5 Best Litter Box Alternatives
1. Storage Containers
Surprising as it might sound, storage containers can serve the role of the litter box ever so wonderfully. If your cat’s litter box someday just goes down in shape and you have no choice but to toss it away, you can use these as replacements.
Now, storage containers can be pretty useful as they not only take up a small space in your house but also go easy on your wallet. Still, as they are originally made to store normal stuff, not… you-know-what from your cat, you might need to measure your container properly before putting it into use. A piece of advice: Go for those whose sizes resembling that of your old litter box.
A nice litter box made from storage container
In case you have no idea how to turn a storage container into your cat’s new ‘private spot’, here is a little guide:
Preparation:
- 2 deep containers or a bin (depends on how deep you want the new litter box to go and the number of cats you have).
- 1 plate with which you will use to draw the round entrance.
- 1 saw and 1 sharp box cutter or a strong pair of scissors.
Instruction:
- Place the plate on the container.
- Use a saw or a sharp box cutter to cut 2 openings in the front of the containers.
- And that’s it! You have finished making a new litter box for your feline friends. If you find it somewhat dull (storage containers mostly come in only white or grey), let your imagination run wild and decorate it yourself.
You can check out this video for more specific instructions
2. Disposable Litter Box
Cats are lovely, and litter boxes are nice. Scooping their waste out of the box, however, is not. Have you grown sick and tired of this? To the point that you are thinking of duct taping your cat’s backdoor so that you will not be bothered by the task? (Just admit it, we are all hit with this urge at least once in our life)
If you are repeatedly nodding your head at the moment, a disposable litter box may be what you are looking for!
The disposable litter box is a perfect solution for any owner who wants a use-and-throw box for their cat. Your cats come in, doing whatever they need to do in there, and then you just need to toss the entire box away. Neat and easy!
Besides, these boxes are typically made from paper or cardboard, which is eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly too)!
Disposable boxes are available in all shapes and sizes and you can easily buy them from any pet store. They offer all the best disposable litter boxes that you can find.
3. Carton Box
On the off chance that you fail to get any storage container or disposable box, a carton box can be a cheap alternative to a litter box.
In fact, this might even do a better job. As we all have known, cats are crazy fans of boxes. So, using carton boxes might be a splendid potty train method, especially if you have stubborn kitties who refuse to listen to you.
Making a litter box out of a carton box is super easy. If you prefer the simple style, you can just leave it open and pour in the sand. Or you can apply the instructions for the container storage box and make a more elaborate cat toilet. The choice is up to you!
4. Cat Litter Box Mat Pads
You are an avid fan of traveling and you want to let your cat experience the thrill that an adventure can bring? But you cannot fit the litter box into your car, and you have to put that very plan off?
Then you can go for Cat Litter Box Mat Pads as litter box alternatives!
Cat Litter Box Mat Pads are 5-layer mats that you can bring along when traveling by car. They can eliminate the foul smells and control odors as there are certain types of filters within all the layers. On top of that, cat litter box mat pads are disposable and easy to clean.
5. Old Cabinet To Litter Box Furniture
Do you find the sight of the litter boxes lying here and there in your house nowhere near pretty? Then perhaps you should consider putting them somewhere far from your eyes. So, what do you think of keeping those boxes hidden in a DIY cabinet?
Scroll down and we will let you in on how to create a perfect place to keep the litter box out of grotty cabinets you are about to toss away.
Things you need:
An old cabinet that you no longer have any use of, primers, and some paints if you want to refresh its look
Instruction:
- Remove the door and hardware.
- Use primers to refill all the old holes.
- When the primer is dry, use a saw or sharp box cutter to cut out the opening on the one side of the cabinet. This will be the entrance to your cats’ new private spot (the size depends on how big the litter box is).
- Paint the whole cabinet with your favorite color. It’s done!!
Also, here is a brief tutorial that you can use as a reference.
FAQs – All About Litter Boxes
What can be used instead of cat litter?
Just like its containers, cat litter can be replaced by several different things that share its properties. If you are trying to cut down on expenses, you can try using junk mail and old newspaper (in shreds) instead of commercial litters. Regular sand might cut it too.
Plus, if you have a workshop or a farm, using wood shavings or chicken feeds is highly recommended.
We have already prepared an article that goes deeper into the topic of “What can I use instead of cat litter.” Just check it out if you want.
How do you make a homemade litter box?
Simply by following some basic steps, you can create a cheap and decent litter box for your lovely cats with what you have at hand. For example, you can go with a bin and a strong pair of scissors. All you have to do is to cut the opening on the bin, add some cat litter, and your feline buddies will fall for them promptly!
You can get more details and proper instructions on “How to make a cat litter box out of a Rubbermaid container”!
Where is the best place to put a litter box?
The best place to put a litter box is your bathroom, under the sink or next to the toilet in your house. This way, if an ‘accident’ occurs while your pets are having their ‘private them’, the cleaning will not be a pain in the ass.
What? You live in a micro-apartment and your bathroom is so humble in size for that? Then read our recent article on Where to put the cat litter box in a small apartment!
Do you really need 2 litter boxes?
Frankly speaking, NO! More litter boxes mean more things to clean up and deal with, not to mention the smell will be nowhere near pleasant. So, unless you have too many cats or too many rooms in your house, one is quite enough.
Interesting:
Conclusion
All in all, there are several things that you can use as litter box alternatives, including storage containers, disposable litter boxes, carton boxes, cat litter mat pads or even an old DIY cabinet.
If you have a cat or intend to have one, make sure to note down what we have shown you as it might be your lifesaver one day! I hope you will be fine with our guide about litter box alternatives.
