5 Smart Cat Closet Ideas for Tiny Homes

ByMuntaseer Rahman

Tiny home? No problem. Your cat can still have their own little kingdom—without junking up your space.

These 5 cat closet ideas are made for cramped corners, awkward nooks, and people like us who want function without the fuss.

5 Smart Cat Closet Ideas

1. Turn an Old Closet into a Litter Station

Got a spare closet gathering dust? Turn it into a clean, smell-controlled litter area your cat will actually use—and your nose won’t hate.

What You’ll Need:

  • Empty closet or cabinet
  • Litter box
  • Ventilation fan (optional)
  • Litter mat
  • Odor control (like baking soda or charcoal filter)

How To Do It:

  1. Clear out the closet. Remove any hanging rods or shelves in the way.
  2. Place the litter box inside, preferably on a litter mat.
  3. Add a small motion-sensor light if the closet is dark.
  4. For extra odor control, install a mini fan or charcoal deodorizers.
  5. Cut a small pet door into the closet door if you want to keep it closed.

Why It Works:
Hides the litter box completely while keeping smells and mess contained. No more stepping on stray litter.

By the way, if you're into DIY Hacks stuff, you’ll wanna check this one out: 7 DIY Cat Scratching Post Ideas Your Furniture Will Thank You For

2. Use an Under-Stairs Closet for a Hidden Cat Room

That weird triangle space under the stairs? Perfect hideout. With a few tweaks, it can be your cat’s new favorite nap zone.

What You’ll Need:

  • Unused space under stairs
  • Cat bed, scratching post, litter box
  • Soft lighting or fairy lights
  • Small shelf for supplies

How To Do It:

  1. Measure the space and sketch a layout.
  2. Place the litter box in one corner and the bed in the other.
  3. Add soft lighting so your cat doesn’t feel trapped.
  4. Use command hooks or mini shelves to organize toys, bags, and scoopers.
  5. Close off the area with a curtain or keep the door slightly open with a stopper.

Why It Works:
It turns wasted space into a cozy hideout. Your cat gets privacy without stealing your floor space.

Oh, and speaking of DIY Hacks, here’s another one you might like: 15 Cat-Friendly Plants That Purify Air and Look Great Too

3. Build a DIY Cat Closet from an Old Cabinet

No closet? No problem. Grab an old cabinet and make your own cat closet that doubles as furniture.

What You’ll Need:

  • Old cabinet or nightstand
  • Jigsaw or handsaw
  • Sandpaper
  • Cat door or entrance hole
  • Paint or wallpaper (optional)

How To Do It:

  1. Cut a cat-sized entrance hole in the front or side.
  2. Sand the edges smooth so your cat doesn’t get scratched.
  3. Add the litter box inside or some blankets if it’s for lounging.
  4. Decorate the outside to match your home.
  5. Place it in the hallway, bathroom, or bedroom corner.

Why It Works:
Cheap, easy, and blends right in. Nobody will guess it’s a cat zone unless your cat walks out mid-poop.

Also, just throwing this in—this DIY Hacks post is a fun read too: 5 Clever Cat Organization Ideas Every Pet Owner Needs

4. Turn a Hall Closet into a Full Cat Room

Give your cat a full private suite inside a hall closet. Perfect for multi-cat homes or cats who like their own turf.

What You’ll Need:

  • Hall closet
  • Wall-mounted shelves or platforms
  • Carpet tiles or soft mat
  • Food & water bowls (optional if your cat stays there often)

How To Do It:

  1. Remove the door or install a screen door for airflow.
  2. Install cat shelves at different heights inside.
  3. Add a soft floor and a small hiding box.
  4. Use one shelf for litter and another for lounging.
  5. Hang some toys or cat-safe decorations.

Why It Works:
Great for multi-cat homes or shy cats. Gives them their own zone where they can nap, climb, or just chill.

5. Add a Cat Closet Inside Your Bedroom Closet

Share your closet with your cat without losing your socks. This setup is for people who want everything in one place—quiet, cozy, and out of sight.

What You’ll Need:

  • Space in your existing bedroom closet
  • Litter box or cat bed
  • Small tray or mat
  • Closet organizer bins

How To Do It:

  1. Clear a section at the bottom of your closet.
  2. Place a litter box or a cozy bed with a blanket.
  3. Add a tray or mat underneath for easy cleanup.
  4. Use organizer bins for cat supplies like food, meds, and toys.
  5. Leave the closet door slightly open or use a magnetic curtain.

Why It Works:
It’s hidden, tidy, and super handy—especially if your cat follows you around 24/7.

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