Okay, so my cats, bless their furry little hearts, were making a HUGE mess with their litter box. I’m talking litter EVERYWHERE. I tried those covered boxes, but my bigger cat, he’s a hefty boy, just couldn’t comfortably do his business. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and build a DIY solution.
The Hunt for Supplies
First, I went to the store. I needed something big, like, really big, and also something without a lip that would make it hard for the cats to get in and out. I ended up grabbing one of those giant plastic storage bins. You know, the kind you use for storing holiday decorations or winter clothes? I made sure it was extra-large, and I checked the height to ensure my cats could easily step in and out.
The DIY Mess-Free Transformation Begins
Once I got home, it was time to modify this storage bin, I didn’t want to cut a large opening in the side, I worried it will make it hard to contain all the litter inside. So I decided to only remove part of the top lid to create a suitable opening.
I carefully used a box cutter to cut out the hole on the top lid, I made sure the edges weren’t too sharp that it might hurt my furry babies when they jump in and out.
Setting Up the Litter Box
Next, I put a good layer of their favorite litter inside the bin. A thick layer, mind you, because, like I said, big cats, big…well, you know. I also placed a litter mat outside the opening. It’s one of those textured ones designed to trap litter from their paws. It helps, but let’s be real, it’s not a magic carpet.
The Final Test and Verdict
Finally, I showed the new setup to my cats. My smaller cat, she was all over it, straight in, did her thing, no problem. The big guy, he was a bit more hesitant. He sniffed around, poked his head in, then finally stepped inside. Success! He could actually turn around comfortably.
And the mess? SO much better. The high sides of the bin keep almost all the litter inside. There’s still a little bit that gets tracked out, but it’s nothing like before. I’d say it’s reduced the mess by like 90%. I still sweep around the area daily, but it’s a quick job now, not a full-blown excavation.
So, to all my fellow cat owners struggling with litter-box mess, especially if you have larger cats, I highly recommend trying this out, give it a try. it’s an inexpensive and very effective way to solve the messy problem.
