Creating a specialized litter box using a plastic storage tote offers a practical alternative to standardized commercial options. This approach addresses common issues like high costs for oversized boxes or excessive litter scatter from shallow designs. Modifying a tote allows customization of dimensions, which is beneficial for very large cats or those with mobility limitations requiring a specific entry height.
Choosing the Right Container and Supplies
The selection of the right storage tote starts with sizing it relative to the cat. The finished box should be roughly 1.5 times the cat’s length, measured from the nose to the base of the tail. A container capacity between 50 and 80 quarts is appropriate for an average-sized adult cat, ensuring ample space for turning and digging. Opaque plastic is preferred over clear totes, as visual privacy helps the cat feel more secure.
When examining the plastic, confirm it is made from non-toxic, pet-safe materials and avoid containers with internal structural ridges that make cleaning difficult. Necessary tools include either a heavy-duty utility knife or, preferably, a rotary cutting tool for smoother, more precise cuts. Fine-grit sandpaper or a small sanding block is needed for smoothing any rough edges left after cutting.
Since a deep storage tote allows for a greater volume of material, choosing a high-quality, dense litter is advisable to maximize odor control and clumping performance. The deep design minimizes scatter, permitting the use of up to six inches of material. This depth is significantly more than most standard commercial pans accommodate and provides a more natural substrate for the cat’s instinctual burying behaviors.
Step-by-Step Construction Guide
Begin the modification process by carefully marking the intended entry point with a permanent marker, ensuring the lines are clearly visible. Always wear protective gloves and eyewear, and ensure the cutting surface is stable and secure before starting. If using a utility knife, multiple shallow scoring passes are safer and more effective than attempting one deep cut through the thick plastic.
For a side-entry box, position the doorway low enough for easy access, especially for older or less mobile cats. A typical entry height is between four and six inches from the floor, which contains litter while allowing a comfortable step-in. The opening should be wide enough to accommodate the cat’s full body, generally six to eight inches across, cut as a gentle U-shape. After the main cut is complete, use sandpaper to smooth all edges until they are dull and non-abrasive to prevent injury to the cat’s paws or skin.
The top-entry design utilizes the tote’s lid, which must be securely fastened to the container body to prevent accidental dislodging. Cut a large, central opening in the lid, typically a circular or oval shape with a diameter of eight to ten inches, providing ample clearance for the cat to enter and exit. This design minimizes scatter, as the cat must jump up and then down, leaving most of the displaced litter inside the box. The cut edges of the plastic lid must be thoroughly sanded or briefly melted with a low-heat source to ensure a smooth finish.
Optimizing the DIY Box for Use
Once the container is modified and safe, fill the box with litter, aiming for four to six inches of depth to accommodate deep digging. Placement should prioritize quiet, low-traffic areas of the home, ensuring the cat feels secure and undisturbed. Placing the box away from food and water stations is important, as cats instinctively prefer separation between their eating and elimination areas.
To simplify cleaning, consider using a jumbo-sized, drawstring liner, although many find that the plastic totes are easier to clean without one due to their smooth, seamless corners. Wash the entire container periodically with mild, unscented soap to prevent the plastic from absorbing odors. If the cat is hesitant to use the new box, placing a small amount of soiled litter from their old box into the new tote can act as a familiar scent cue to encourage acceptance.