AlReadyMade: Trash-Bin Litter Box

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alreadymade cat litter pets
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    I Tawt I Taw a Puddy Tat: Our refuge-cum-refuse bin is inspired by the recent rash of kitty restroom/furniture products.
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ReadyMade

Posted by ReadyMade  
Project by Sherif Shalaby; photos by Luke Holverman

Dear Al,
I keep seeing websites selling litter box–furniture combos. I am the proud owner of a newly adopted 3-year-old cat and would like to adapt the idea for my apartment. I’m not sure how I feel about my pet using a bookshelf or a flowerpot as his throne, however. Also, my style is modern, and most of the pieces I’ve seen are too much country chic, not enough rock ’n roll.  Ideas?
Michael Contreras     
Oklahoma City, OK

Dear Michael, I, too, would be uneasy with letting my furry friend take a personal moment in my furniture. So, I came up with this trash can-litter box that saves space while keeping kitty smells contained. You have to get rid of both varieties of waste on a regular basis anyway, and you can pick out any bin that suits your style.
Can-do,
AL

Skill Level

Easy

Active Time

Half a day

Cost

$

    Materials

  • Square or rectangular plastic trash bin (at least 24" tall)
  • 3 1/8" x 36" threaded metal rods
  • 6 1/8" nuts
  • Durable fabric, such as denim or canvas (optional)
  • Industrial-strength Velcro (optional)
  • Plywood (optional)

    Tools

  • Pencil
  • Utility knife
  • Hacksaw
  • Power drill
  • 1/8" drill bit
 
1

Depending on how much room your cat and your trash each need, decide how you would like to divvy up the height of your bin. I split up my 24" receptacle evenly, 12" for cat, 12" for trash.

2

Using a pencil, mark a dividing line around the bin.

3

Drill three equally spaced holes into opposite sides of the bin (six holes altogether).

4

Slide a metal rod through each set of holes so the rods run through the inside and poke out the opposite hole.

5

Attach a nut to one end of each rod and tighten 1".

6

Push the nuts flush against the bin.

7

Attach the remaining nuts to the other end of each rod and tighten until they’re flush with the side, but not so tight that the bin buckles.

8

Use the hacksaw to trim away excess rod.

9

Using the utility knife, cut a door for your cat. Leave a lip at the bottom to hold in the litter (I cut a 7" square 3" above the bottom of the bin).

10

Fill with litter or a litter pan, and place your trash bag so it rests atop the metal rods.

11

Give kitty a tour of his new restroom.

12

Optional:
1. If your pet needs privacy (as shown, with door flap), cut out a piece of sturdy fabric that covers the hole and attach using heavy-duty Velcro.
2. If you feel sure your feline will clamber his way upward to a nasty surprise, cut a piece of plywood that fits atop the rods as a claw-proof roof.

13

Tip: To clean your cat’s new loo, pull out the metal rods and dump, or use a removable litter pan.