Fun DIY IKEA Hacks Your Pets Will Love
For cat owners and small dog households, IKEA furniture can be adapted into pet furniture without high costs or special materials. With a few clever changes, basic IKEA items can double as litter boxes, play areas, or sleeping spots. In most cases, these DIY projects will save money (especially if you already own the furniture you will redesign) and make your space work better for both you and your pets.
Some of the more involved ideas might require tools like a drill or handsaw, but nothing beyond basic home improvement skills.
Hol Storage Crate as Litter Box Cover
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The HOL crate is airy enough to house a litter box without trapping odors. However, odor control doesn’t happen on its own and depends on litter type and cleaning. With an opening cut into the front and a floor mat inside, it turns into a private bathroom for your cat. The top is sturdy enough to sit on, which helps in smaller entryways or laundry rooms.
Besta Unit With Decorative Cat Entrance
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Besta units can discreetly hold litter trays, especially when you carve a cat-shaped opening into the front panel. It looks like a design choice instead of a pet necessity. The unit keeps mess out of sight and matches other IKEA furniture, so it doesn’t stick out visually.
Metal Cabinet Reworked for Litter Use
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Standard metal IKEA lockers make practical litter enclosures. They don’t hold smells like wooden options sometimes can, and they’re easy to wipe down. Because they’re fully enclosed, they help contain litter and offer a solid structure that works in high-traffic or multi-cat homes.
Wall-Mounted Cat Walk From Ledges and Crates
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Floating ledges and lightweight crates can be fixed on walls at different heights to create a climbing route. It’s a simple way to give indoor cats more vertical access, which is helpful in smaller apartments. Cats often prefer high spaces, and this setup encourages movement and exploration.
Cat Condo From Lack Tables and Shelves
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Stacking a few Lack tables and attaching wall shelves makes a simple climbing tower. If you wrap parts of it in soft fabric, it doubles as a scratching post and nap spot. It’s easy to switch up the pieces later if your cat’s habits change or you add more pets.
Multi-Function Hol Table
Credit: ebay
The HOL side table can hold a litter box, while the flat top can hold a bed or a storage basket. It’s useful in tight spaces where you don’t want multiple pet-related pieces lying around. The design helps the whole thing blend in like a standard side table.
Kallax Cube With Built-In Scratcher
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A single Kallax cube can support dual uses. Wrap sisal rope tightly around one panel to provide a vertical scratch zone. Inside, add a small bed or pad to create a low-profile shelter. The modular design means you can expand or relocate the build easily.
Stuva Bench With Side Litter Entry
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The Stuva bench keeps its purpose hidden. With a hole cut into the side, it becomes a litter station that still functions as a seating bench or low table. It’s especially helpful in small homes where dual-purpose furniture matters more than ever.
Elevated Hejne Shelf Sleeping Spot
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Cats tend to feel safer up high. Mounting Hejne shelves near the ceiling gives them a retreat that’s out of reach from people and other pets. Add a low-profile cushion to soften it up without changing the look of the shelf too much.
Gulliver Changing Table for Small Dogs
Credit: Facebook
The open frame of the Gulliver table allows light and airflow while setting boundaries for rest. By attaching sheer curtains or panels, it becomes a soft-sided dog crate. It works well for small, lightweight dogs who need a calm, semi-enclosed rest area near their owner’s space.