The litter box is the most logistically challenging part of having a cat in a small apartment. In a house, you can tuck it in a laundry room or basement and largely forget about it. In a studio or one-bedroom apartment, it's in your living space — and that means odor, tracked litter, and an eyesore are all your problem to solve.
The good news: with the right placement and the right products, a litter box in a small apartment can be nearly invisible. Here's how to think through your options.
The Rules of Good Litter Box Placement
Before getting into specific locations, understand what makes a litter box placement work — for both you and your cat:
- Accessible to your cat at all times. Never place a litter box behind a closed door your cat can't open.
- Away from food and water. Cats instinctively avoid eliminating near their food source.
- In a low-traffic area. Cats need to feel safe and undisturbed while using the box.
- Somewhere you'll actually clean it. The best litter box location is one you'll scoop daily.
- With enough space around it. Your cat needs to be able to approach, enter, and exit the box comfortably.
The Best Litter Box Locations in a Small Apartment
1. Bathroom Corner
The bathroom is the most natural and practical location. It's already associated with waste, typically has tile or vinyl flooring that's easy to clean, and is a low-traffic area where your cat can have privacy. Keep the door open at all times, or install a cat door. Use a litter mat outside the box and run a bathroom fan or small air purifier to manage odor.
2. Under the Bathroom Sink
If your bathroom vanity has cabinet space underneath, remove the cabinet doors (store them for move-out), place the litter box inside, and add a small curtain or leave it open. Your cat has a private, enclosed space; you have a completely hidden box. Add a small battery-powered fan inside for ventilation and a litter mat at the opening.
3. Inside a Closet
A closet with the door left slightly ajar — or fitted with a cat door — is an excellent litter box location. The box is completely hidden from view, odor is contained, and your cat has a private space. Add a litter mat inside at the box entrance and a small odor absorber. Check and scoop daily — out-of-sight boxes are easy to forget.
4. Litter Box Enclosure in the Living Area
If bathroom and closet options aren't available, a litter box enclosure is the most aesthetically effective solution. These pieces of furniture — designed to look like cabinets, benches, or side tables — conceal a litter box inside. A well-chosen enclosure doesn't look like a cat product at all. Choose a finish that matches your existing furniture and scoop daily, as enclosed boxes concentrate odor faster than open boxes.
5. Laundry Closet or Utility Area
If your apartment has a laundry closet or utility area, this is an excellent location. It's a non-living space, the flooring is typically easy to clean, and it's naturally low-traffic. Leave the door ajar or install a cat door.
Locations to Avoid
- Next to food and water bowls
- In a high-traffic hallway
- Behind a door that gets closed
- In a spot you rarely visit
- On carpet if avoidable
How Many Litter Boxes Do You Need?
The standard recommendation is one litter box per cat, plus one extra. For a single cat in a studio or one-bedroom, two boxes is ideal. For two cats in a small apartment, two boxes is the minimum — three is better, placed in different locations to prevent one cat from blocking the other's access.
Controlling Litter Box Odor in a Small Apartment
- Scoop at least once daily — ideally twice
- Use a high-quality clumping litter
- Replace litter fully every 1-2 weeks and wash the box with mild soap
- Use a litter box enclosure to contain odor
- Place an air purifier with a HEPA filter near the litter area
- Avoid heavily scented litters — they can deter your cat from using the box
Protecting Your Rental
Place the box on hard flooring whenever possible. Use a large litter mat that extends well beyond the box opening. If the box must go on carpet, place a waterproof mat underneath. Address any urine accidents immediately with an enzymatic cleaner.
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This article is part of the Apartment Cat Living: The Complete Guide to Renting With a Cat hub.