Your Ultimate Buying Guide to Cat Litter Box Enclosures
When you get yourself a cat or already have one, the most important thing that you need to have is a litter box. It is extremely essential to get one because this is where your cat is going to go about doing its business every day. Now, you might think of getting a simple plastic box and putting it in the corner somewhere in the house to get the job done. Well, actually it would help undoubtedly, but one of the major challenges with most litter boxes is that they are a source of unpleasant odors. Therefore, this is where a cat litter box enclosure can really help.
Besides, remember that cats like privacy when doing their business, just like you when you use the bathroom. Hence, it is important that you get the best litter box enclosure for cats that not only assures them the privacy they deserve but also helps with odor control and adds to the aesthetics of your house too.
In this comprehensive buying guide, we are going to understand why are cat litter box enclosures so important, the types that are available on the market today, what features should you be looking for when you want to get one, and more.
Table of contents:
- What is a Cat Litter Box Enclosure?
- What Are the Benefits of a Cat Litter Box Enclosure?
- Types of Cat Litter Box Enclosures
- Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Cat Litter Box Enclosure
- Important Additional Features to Consider
- How to Choose the Right Cat Litter Box Enclosure: Factors to Consider?
What is a Cat Litter Box Enclosure?
To put it simply, a cat litter box enclosure is basically a piece of furniture or a structure that is made to cover up or keep the litter box in. The sole purpose of the cat litter box furniture is they help cover the box and provide a more aesthetically pleasing sight, help contain the unpleasant smell around the house, ensure that litter isn’t scattered around, and also give cats the much-needed privacy so that they can comfortably go about doing their business.
There are a variety of litter box enclosures available in different sizes, shapes, materials, styles, etc. You have litter box enclosures with storage shelves, with cushion beddings, metal cage-like structures, and more. Other features that you would also find in these cat box structures are doors, lids, built-in filters, ventilation, and a lot more.
Basically, these cat litter box enclosures are just what you need if you want to keep an odor-free home, if you need a hidden cat litter box look to add to the aesthetics of your place, if your cat pees outside the litter box sometimes, or if it scatters litter around. They are super functional and stylish, keeping your place neat and clean.
What Are the Benefits of a Cat Litter Box Enclosure?
Cat litter box enclosures are extremely beneficial in many ways, therefore, they are worth buying. Some of the benefits include:
Gives Privacy for Your Feline Babies:
Cats love to go about doing their business in private, hence, having a litter box enclosure gives them just that. A litter enclosure gives them 100% privacy, reducing their stress from any outside noise, or from someone watching them.
Controls the Unpleasant Odor:
Keeping litter boxes that are not covered does add to an unpleasant odor around the house. Therefore, with a litter box enclosure, it gets easier to contain and reduce the nasty smell. Many litter box enclosures also come with built-in filters which helps keep the house smelling pleasant.
Helps Contain Scattered Litter:
Cat litter box enclosures also help contain scattered litter, therefore, reducing the mess around that you would generally find happening if you have an open litter box. Additionally, cleaning becomes really easy because all you need to do then is clean the enclosure and the box, without having to worry about anything scattered on the floor.
Adds to the Aesthetic Appeal:
Cat litter box enclosures are nothing like those simple ordinary plastic containers that you would use. These are mostly designed like furniture, having storage spaces, shelves, cabinets, etc. Basically, this cat litter box furniture is precisely made keeping in mind the need to blend with the furniture in your home and not look out of place.
Types of Cat Litter Box Enclosures
Let’s take a look at some of the cat litter box enclosures.
Furniture-Style Cat Litter Box Enclosures
One of the most popular and aesthetically pleasing litter box enclosures are the furniture-style ones available today. These are designed to look like any other furniture in your house, particularly cabinets, tables, and shelves, and are made quite sturdy and durable. Moreover, some come with storage spaces or even cushion bedding for your cat. This cat litter box furniture is just what you need if you want to not just contain the bad odor, but also want something to blend in with the aesthetics of your house. Technically, they are quite multipurpose too, with some that can be used as TV stands, or shelves to keep your decorative pieces on – from photo frames, books, plants, etc.
However, do remember to clean the litter box enclosure and of course the litter box as well regularly, because though the enclosure might help contain the odor in your house, the smell might be quite unpleasant for your cat inside if not cleaned. Hence, ensure that you clean it as often as possible to provide a tidy space for your cat to do its business.
Plastic Cat Litter Box Enclosures
Besides cat litter box furniture enclosures, you also have plastic ones available that are quite popular among cat owners too. These come in various shapes too - square, round, etc. Moreover, these plastic litter box enclosures are practical, lightweight, super easy to clean, and also very affordable.
DIY Cat Litter Box Enclosures
When it comes to cats we all know how they love their cardboard boxes. Therefore, one really easy and affordable way is to DIY a cat litter box for your feline baby. You can use cardboard boxes to make an enclosure for your cat and decorate it just the way you would love to. Also, you can use other materials such as wood or even some old cabinets or furniture that you no longer use. You can repurpose it and create an affordable and comfortable enclosure for your cat.
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Cat Litter Box Enclosure
Certain features to take into consideration when choosing a cat litter box enclosure. Some of them are as follows:
Material Types
You would basically find a lot of these litter box enclosures made of plastic, wood, and even cane. If you want something to blend with the furniture and aesthetics of your home, then the ones made of wood are the perfect choice. However, they do need to be maintained well and they are also a bit on the pricy side. Now, if you want something affordable, lightweight, and easy to maintain, then you have the plastic ones to choose from. As far as the cane enclosures go, they definitely look good and serve the purpose but these ones might not last long enough.
Size and Dimensions
You have a number of sizes and dimensions available. You have single-room and double-room litter box enclosures, and you have small, medium and large litter box enclosures, basically, whichever size you need, you have it out there. When choosing the size of a litter box enclosure, you need to ensure that it has enough space for your cat to do things comfortably.
Ventilation Options
While the enclosure helps greatly in keeping your home free from unpleasant odors, it is also crucial that the enclosure has proper ventilation so that the smells don’t get trapped inside. If there is no proper ventilation, your cat is going to be very uncomfortable because as you know cats love clean spaces to poop and pee. Therefore, ensure that the litter box enclosure that you choose comes with built-in filters, vents, etc.
Easy Accessibility
The most important thing is the comfort of your cat, therefore, it is important that your cat can easily access the litter box enclosure. Make sure the design that you choose has enough entrance space. You have top-entry, side-entry, and front-entry options available, choose one taking into consideration mobility, age, and size of your cat.
Ease of Cleaning
It is essential to regularly clean the litter box enclosure for the health and well-being of your cat, therefore, choose litter box enclosures that make cleaning easy for you. Look for ones that come with pull-out litter trays, ones for which lids can be removed, and more.
Important Additional Features to Consider
Here are some important additional features to consider when getting a cat litter box enclosure.
• Built-in Filters and Ventilation Systems:
To reduce the odor in the enclosure, look for ones that come with proper built-in filters and ventilation systems so that the air inside isn’t trapped and smelly. Your cat needs a clean space to do its job comfortably.
• Built-in Litter Mats:
Built-in litter mats are another feature that you must consider when choosing a litter box enclosure. These litter mats are basically really helpful for your cats as they can wipe and remove as much litter from their paws. Hence, not only is the surrounding area free from scattered litter as much as possible but also cleaning becomes easier for you.
• Compartments and Shelves:
Having multiple compartments is a great way to store all your cat supplies and essentials – food, scoops, wipes, treats, toys, etc. Besides, if you have shelves, you can have maybe your cat feeder or even some basic decoration pieces if needed just to help blend it with the aesthetics of your home.
How to Choose the Right Cat Litter Box Enclosure: Factors to Consider?
When choosing a cat litter box, there are a few factors that you need to keep in mind.
Assess Your Cat’s Needs:
The most important thing to take into consideration is always your cat’s needs. Take into account your cat’s age, mobility, size, behaviour, and habits. Make sure the enclosure provides enough privacy and space for your cat to move around with ease. Ensure the enclosure is ideal for your cat’s age. In case your cat is old and has mobility issues, make sure there’s enough space for it to sit comfortably inside and move around without any discomfort. Also, keep in mind that the entry should be a low-front entry so that your cat can come and go easily.
Consider Your Space:
You also have to take into account which is the right place for you to put the litter box enclosure. Make sure to assess the space you have and accordingly measure the required space needed for the enclosure. Also, ensure that the space you choose to put the litter box enclosure in has enough space around the area for your cat to enter and exit.
Take into Account Your Budget:
We love our feline babies and we want to do the best for them, however, it is also important to keep in mind the budget at hand. You will find the best cat litter box furniture that is of high quality, durable, and feature-rich at a pocket-friendly price. Therefore, make a smart and wise choice. Besides, you can always upgrade whenever you have more budget for it.
Check Reviews of Products:
Always read reviews of the products that you are going to buy. You would definitely find reviews by cat owners that will help you make a decision. Besides, if possible you can even connect with cat owners – could be your friends and family members. Find out if they have litter box enclosures and from where they have got them.
In conclusion, cat litter box enclosures are quite an essential thing to have. It assures you a clean, odor-free, and aesthetically pleasing home, and for your cat, it provides a safe and private area to do all its business. Besides, you have a variety of options to choose from – whether it’s a stylish cat litter box furniture enclosure, a lightweight plastic box enclosure, or a natural-looking cane litter box enclosure. Having said that, most importantly remember to keep in mind the comfort of your cat.
