Make your own litterbox

Would these work for my obese 22lb cat?????? I guess he could jump in and out o.k.

What size gallon works the best?????

What is the best way to cut them?????

Thanks!




Orginally I cut the front out of some clear smaller containers and left the lids off. This has proved to be a waste because the cats still pee on the wall. They stand up and about 17 inches from the floor are still hitting over the container. So I am thinking about following your guys advice and doing the top entry. Especially since I can't find any boxes that work to prevent peeing on the wall!!!

Here is how I made mine.It's an 18 gallon tote that I used a ezacto (sp) knife to cut out the hole in the side.It took a couple of times before the knife went through.And I had to be REALLY careful not to cut myself.


Over look the fact that is looks crooked.I was standing and leaning to get the pic.
I didn't think mine would like jumping in it from the top,so I did mine this way.Plus, Mia is so small.............the openings for regular litter boxes,was up to high for her.

This is a really good idea.. My cats are soo messy, and they literally get it on the walls, and the litter box has sides to it... Isn't that crazy.. I've got one of these... But I'm gonna ditch it for a rubbermaid this weekend!!



How much litter does the rubbermaid take????????????

I'm not sure.I just put about 3-4 inches in the bottom.I got the 35 pound bucket type of container of Tidy Cats and it isn't even half way gone yet.

they literally get it on the walls, and the litter box has sides to it

Click to expand...

How in the world are they getting it all over the walls?Hmmmmmmm maybe through the gap in the top and bottom where they connect?!

Yes mine was peeing on the walls and it was coming thru where they connect. UGH!

Thanks for the pics!

Now I have to decide on a top entrance or bottom entrance... I only get one chance at this! Also I really hate knives so it should be interesting!!! Has anyone tried the "pocket saw"?

Tissie1, I have used these for quite a while and love them, especially for large cats.

If you're not sure how you want to cut the container, you could perhaps cut the top first and try that. If it doesn't work, you can simply toss the lid and cut the side without losing anything. Many folks (including me) don't use the top at all.

Or, you could buy two (they're ever so cheap) or even three and leave the top off one, cut the lid on one, and open the side on the third - and let your cat(s) decide which one to use?

i took the top off our rubbermaid litterboxes. and they are technically "sterilite" brand. my cats prefer open top litter pans, but one stands to pee. so this works. i also make sure i only put in 15 lbs max of litter, otherwise he stands up to pee. he's so weird.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v25/littleraven7726/litterboxafter2.jpg

Mine are all so use to using the litter boxes with the lids, so they LOVE the new litter box.ANd it was only $4.00 for it..................so that's even better!!!

I'm so glad I found this thread! Right before, I'd been looking at the Clever Cat litter box website, but this would be so much cheaper. We are looking for ways to minimize the litter getting kicked all over the place - even with the covered box with the little swinging door, there is always litter all over the floor. This might do the trick!

even with the covered box with the little swinging door, there is always litter all over the floor.

Click to expand...

I found that if there is still tracking, you can put a cheap throw rug in front of it and just dump the tracked litter back into the litter box or in the garbage.
But, there is less with the totes than the litter boxes.

I've been doing this for years I buy the 25 gallon rubbermaid totes(they are alot easier to cut then any other brand) and cut it on the short side-start from the top and cut down maybe half way. my 30 lb cat gets in no problem. Mine takes 45 lbs of litter when I fully clean it and replace the litter. I started making them for my cats when one of mine(whose now crossed the bridge from a blockage ) had urniary issues and liked to stand to pee and wasn't neutered(he was never healthy enough to undergo surgery) RJ

Thanks for all your help!

I went and bought some rather big ones I don't remember the actual size. The only thing I am concerned about is the grooves in the bottom and not being able to scoop out the litter easily and effeciently. I haven't set them up yet but the only containers I have found with flat solid bottoms didn't have high enough sides on them so they would be useless.

I am still not sure which way I will cut it... maybe one of each like you said eh

I was concerned about the ridges in the bottom too. It really hasn't been a problem. You just have to dip down a little bit with the scooper.

I have been using the new litter boxes for about 2 weeks now and love it!

I use a full box of litter per container. I scoop daily and add litter as needed and I plan to change the litter completely once a month.

I have not had a trail of litter from the boxes, except on the lids and if I tilt them over the container I'm able to keep it from getting on the floor.

All of my containers open from the top. Even my youngest Mia at 4 months doesn't have a problem jumping in or out of the containers. She will jump on top of the container and then jump right in the hole at the top.

snosrap it looks like the hole is in the LID. IS that for real? Will the cat really get on top of the box, jump in and do his business? Because I have two dogs and they think the cat litter box is the candy aisle at the supermarket! This would be awesome!!

Originally Posted by 2dogmom

snosrap it looks like the hole is in the LID. IS that for real? Will the cat really get on top of the box, jump in and do his business? Because I have two dogs and they think the cat litter box is the candy aisle at the supermarket! This would be awesome!!

Click to expand...

The hole is at the top!!! I have three dogs and two are very well behaved when it comes to the litter box but Scoobie our Bassett Hound would not stay out of the litter boxes. So we switched to the rubbermaid containers and wham Scoobie can't reach inside!
Mia, actually all of them will jump on top of the containers and then jump into the box to take care of business. She has no problem jumping out or anything.

We are actually adopting a new kitten the last week in November and I am not the least bit worried about his ability to get into this box.