There’s a universal moment every cat owner experiences. It’s that quiet shuffle in the middle of the night, on your way to the kitchen for a glass of water, that ends with the unmistakable, sharp crunch of stray litter underfoot. For me, it was a constant battle. No matter how diligently I swept or how high-walled the litter box was, my spirited tabby, Jasper, seemed to view the surrounding floor as an extension of his personal sandbox. The litter box wasn’t just a utility; it was an eyesore, a source of stray granules, and a constant reminder of the delicate balance between a stylish home and a happy pet. This is the silent struggle: how do we provide our feline companions with the privacy they need without sacrificing a corner of our home to a plastic tub? The quest for a solution that is both functional for the cat and aesthetically pleasing for the human is what led me to explore the world of litter box enclosures, and specifically, to test the Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed.
- Large Size & Universal Fit – This spacious cat litter box enclosure is designed to fit most standard large litter pans, providing ample room for your cat. The waterproof material prevents leaks, is...
- Plush, Cozy Cat Bed with Dual-Zipper Top – The top of the enclosure features a soft, plush material that provides your cat with a warm and comfortable resting area. Save the cost of an extra pet...
- Sturdy & Durable Structure – Built with a reinforced frame that provides excellent weight-bearing capacity, ensuring it won’t deform or collapse. Your cat can safely lounge and nap on top without...
What to Demand from a Litter Box Enclosure Before You Buy
A litter box enclosure is more than just a decorative box; it’s a key solution for creating a harmonious, multi-species household. Its primary purpose is to conceal the litter pan, drastically reducing visual clutter and instantly elevating the look of a room. Beyond aesthetics, a good enclosure is a master of containment. It traps stray litter that gets kicked up during vigorous digging and can significantly help in mitigating the spread of odors. For the cats themselves, it offers a private, den-like space that can make them feel more secure and comfortable. It transforms a functional necessity into a multi-purpose piece of your home’s ecosystem, blending your cat’s world more seamlessly with your own.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone living in a smaller space, like an apartment or condo, where the litter box must reside in a main living area. It’s also perfect for cat owners who are meticulous about their home’s appearance and are tired of the constant battle against litter tracking. Conversely, it might not be suitable for those who have a dedicated, out-of-the-way space for their litter box, such as a laundry room or a basement, where concealment is less of a priority. For households with very large, arthritic, or timid cats who might be hesitant to enter a covered space, an open-top, high-sided litter pan might be a better starting point before graduating to a full enclosure.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. You must measure not only the floor space where the enclosure will go but, more importantly, the dimensions of your current litter pan. Ensure the enclosure’s internal measurements can comfortably accommodate your box with a little extra room for your cat to turn around. Pay close attention to the height, especially if you use a covered litter box that you plan to place inside.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance is defined by how well the enclosure contains litter and odor, and how easily your cat adapts to it. Look for features like an offset entrance that creates a natural “hallway” to help knock litter off paws. Consider the ventilation—an enclosure that is too sealed can trap ammonia odors, making it unpleasant for your cat, so a balance is key. The Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed’s innovative fabric design offers a unique approach to this balance.
- Materials & Durability: Enclosures typically come in two flavors: wood/MDF furniture styles or fabric/composite structures. Wood offers a premium, sturdy feel that blends in as furniture but can be heavy and susceptible to moisture damage if not properly sealed. Fabric models, like the Honiakaka, offer unparalleled portability and ease of setup, often with water-resistant materials, but may not have the same rigid structure or longevity as a solid wood cabinet.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Think about the daily chore of scooping and the weekly task of changing the litter. How easy is it to access the pan? Look for large front doors, hinged tops, or, in this case, zippered panels. The easier it is to clean, the more likely you are to keep your cat’s environment pristine, which is crucial for their health and happiness.
Considering these points will guide you toward a solution that works for both your home’s style and your cat’s specific needs.
While the Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- Stylish Cat Washroom: With a sleek black metal crossbar design and rustic charm, this litter box enclosure seamlessly integrates into various home décors, transforming a functional necessity into a...
- Pet Friendly: Put a cat litter box in the cabinet below, there will be a private washroom for your kitties, and less smell in your home. Put a cat bed in the enclosure with some toys, there will be a...
- CLASSIC DESIGN: The stylish cat box measuring 19.25"D x 20"W x 20"H, can be used in any room as a side table or bedside table and is a perfect solution for a clean home and to hide the cat litter box
First Impressions and Key Features of the Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed
Unboxing the Honiakaka enclosure was, frankly, a revelation in simplicity. In a world of flat-pack furniture that comes with a bag of a hundred screws and bewildering diagrams, this was a breath of fresh air. The unit arrived folded completely flat. The entire setup process took, and I’m not exaggerating, less than 60 seconds. You simply pop it open like a high-end camping tent and push down the integrated steel frame supports until they lock into place. That’s it. No tools, no frustration, no calling a friend for help. This immediate, hassle-free assembly is a massive selling point that cannot be overstated.
My initial impression of the material was positive. The grey Oxford fabric feels durable and taut once the frame is locked, and the minimalist aesthetic is clean and unassuming, allowing it to blend into a corner without drawing undue attention. The standout feature, of course, is the plush, fuzzy cat bed integrated into the top. It felt surprisingly soft and well-cushioned. Unlike heavy MDF enclosures, this unit is incredibly lightweight (under 7 pounds), making it easy to move for cleaning. The multiple access points—a zippered front entry, a smaller side opening, and a fully unzippable top—were immediately apparent as a thoughtful design choice geared toward flexibility and maintenance. You can explore all these features and current pricing online.
Advantages
- Tool-free, sub-one-minute assembly and disassembly
- Dual-purpose design saves space by combining an enclosure and a cat bed
- Multiple zippered access points for easy cleaning and cat preference
- Lightweight and foldable for excellent portability and storage
- Water-resistant fabric helps contain misses and simplifies wipe-downs
Limitations
- Internal dimensions may be too small for some “standard” or extra-large litter pans
- Fabric construction may absorb persistent odors over time more than sealed wood or plastic
A Deep Dive into the Honiakaka Enclosure’s Performance
An easy setup is one thing, but how does the Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed perform in the real world of daily scooping, cat naps, and odor control? We put it through its paces with our resident feline tester, Jasper, to find out exactly where it shines and where it falls short.
Assembly and Portability: The One-Minute Wonder
The “pop-up” design is the Honiakaka’s crowning achievement. This isn’t just about initial setup; it’s about long-term convenience. If you need to deep-clean the floor underneath, move the enclosure to a different room, or even pack it away for a trip, the process is effortless. It collapses back down just as quickly as it sets up. This stands in stark contrast to traditional furniture enclosures that weigh 30-50 pounds and are, for all intents and purposes, permanent fixtures once assembled. We found this feature particularly useful for apartment living, where flexibility is paramount. One user perfectly captured this experience, stating it “came folded flat and was super easy to set up. All you do is pop it open and push the metal frame into place.” The internal steel frame, while lightweight, provides a surprisingly rigid structure. Once locked, the enclosure doesn’t wobble or feel flimsy, creating a secure environment that a cat will feel confident entering. This blend of sturdiness and portability is a design feat that makes the Honiakaka enclosure a standout choice for modern pet owners.
Design and Functionality: A Cat’s Private Palace
Honiakaka clearly thought about both cat and human comfort. The multiple entry points are genius. We started with both the front zippered door and the side hole open to encourage Jasper to explore without feeling trapped. As one owner noted, this is great for cats who “don’t like being fully enclosed.” Over time, we zipped the front door closed, and he happily used the side entrance. This adaptability is crucial for picky cats. The star of the show for Jasper, however, was the rooftop bed. He took to it almost immediately, validating the dual-function design. The product description boasts a “sturdy, reinforced steel frame,” and we put it to the test. Jasper is a healthy 12 pounds, and while another user mentioned a slight sag with their 11-pound cat, we found the top held his weight confidently without any alarming dips or creaks. The plush material is inviting, and it quickly became one of his preferred napping spots. For cleaning, the fully zippered top is the most practical feature. Instead of reaching through a dark doorway, you can unzip the entire roof for full, unobstructed access to the litter pan for scooping. This design choice single-handedly overcomes one of the biggest drawbacks of many other enclosed boxes.
The Sizing Dilemma: Will Your Litter Box Fit?
This is where our findings, and user feedback, become most nuanced. The Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed measures 29.5 inches long by 17.7 inches wide externally. This is generous, but the crucial measurement is the internal space available for your litter pan. We tested it with a medium-sized, high-sided pan (approximately 22″ x 17″), and it fit perfectly, with enough room for Jasper to step in and turn around. One user confirmed this, saying it “fits my large stainless steel cat box no problem.” However, several other users reported that it was “way too small for a standard litter box.” This discrepancy highlights a critical point for potential buyers: “standard” is not a standard unit of measurement in the pet world. The term can refer to anything from a small 18-inch pan to a jumbo 25-inch one. Our expert advice is unequivocal: measure your existing litter pan before you order. If your pan is wider than 17 inches or longer than 24-25 inches, you may find the fit too snug. For those with smaller to medium-large pans, the Honiakaka offers ample room. The key is to verify your own equipment against the product’s stated dimensions, a simple step that will ensure a perfect fit and avoid disappointment. For those who confirm the sizing is right, this enclosure offers a fantastic solution.
Odor Control and Cleanliness: The Fabric Factor
The final frontier for any litter box solution is how well it manages odor and mess. The enclosure’s primary function here is containment, and it excels. We observed a dramatic reduction in tracked litter around the unit. The walls effectively catch the spray from vigorous digging. The material is listed as water-resistant Oxford fabric, which we tested by splashing some water on the inside floor—it beaded up and wiped away easily without soaking in. This is a crucial feature, forming the “pee shield” mentioned in the product info, and provides peace of mind against the occasional accident or high-sprayer. Now, concerning odors: a fabric enclosure will inherently behave differently than a wooden one. While the enclosed design certainly helps contain immediate smells, fabric can potentially absorb strong odors over time if not maintained. We didn’t notice any issues during our testing period, but for long-term freshness, we recommend pairing it with a good quality clumping litter, daily scooping, and perhaps a charcoal deodorizer placed inside. The excellent ventilation from the non-sealable side opening and fabric material itself helps prevent a heavy buildup of ammonia, which is healthier for your cat. The ability to wipe the interior clean is a major plus for maintaining a hygienic environment.
What Other Users Are Saying
Diving into feedback from other cat owners reveals a consistent and telling split in opinion, largely centered on expectations versus application. On the positive side, there’s a chorus of praise for its ease of setup and cat-approved design. Comments like “Cats love it!” and “she took to this instantly!” are common. Many, like us, found it successfully contained litter scatter and appreciated the easy access for cleaning provided by the zippered panels. One user celebrated it as a “great choice for an easy to set up low-cost option.”
However, the critical feedback is just as valuable and circles almost exclusively around the issue of size and intended use. Several users found it too small for their litter boxes, leading one to state, “I would have given this a 5 star review if it was advertised as just a little cat hut type house.” This sentiment is echoed by another who repurposed it as a “cozy little space for my cats to go in and play.” This feedback doesn’t necessarily point to a flawed product, but rather a product that excels for a specific use case: owners of small-to-medium litter pans, or those seeking a versatile cat den rather than just a massive litter hider.
How the Honiakaka Compares to the Competition
The Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed occupies a unique niche with its portable, fabric design. But how does it stack up against more traditional furniture-style options? Let’s take a look.
1. TRIXIE Litter Box Enclosure Brown
- CLASSIC DESIGN: The stylish cat box measuring 19.25"D x 20"W x 20"H, can be used in any room as a side table or bedside table and is a perfect solution for a clean home and to hide the cat litter box
- ATTRACTIVE ENCLOSURE: Front door entry makes it easy to place anywhere and blends in beautifully with your home décor while giving your cat the privacy he deserves
- EASY CLEANING: A single door with a strong magnetic closure allows for easy cleaning of the hidden cat litter box. Large ventilation holes promote circulation and contribute to your cat's well-being
The TRIXIE enclosure represents the classic furniture approach. Made from MDF with a brown finish, it’s designed to look like a permanent end table or nightstand. Its primary advantage is its solid structure and aesthetic integration into traditional home decor. However, it requires full assembly with tools, is significantly heavier, and lacks the portability of the Honiakaka. The TRIXIE is the better choice for someone who wants a sturdy, stationary piece of furniture and prioritizes a wood-grain look over the convenience of a pop-up, lightweight design.
2. Feandrea Cat Litter Box Furniture Single Door Rustic Brown
- A Little Privacy Will Be Better: Like us, cats also need a private space, where they feel safe and secure to answer nature’s call. Of course, you can also share the benefits of this litter box...
- Spacious Room Inside: When you open the door, there’s a large 19.3”L x 19.3”W x 18.5”H compartment, which fits most common litter boxes. Still, don’t forget to measure your cat litter box to...
- A Piece of Furniture for You, Too: Featuring a large top, this cat litter box cabinet doubles as a side table in your living room or entryway. Why not add a lamp, a potted plant, or some magazines to...
Similar to the TRIXIE, the Feandrea cabinet is a robust MDF furniture piece, this time with a trendy rustic brown finish. It functions beautifully as an end table and offers a very concealed look. Its main differentiator from the Honiakaka is its material and permanence. The Feandrea is for the home decorator who wants to completely hide the litter box’s function behind a stylish facade and is willing to invest the time in assembly. The Honiakaka, in contrast, is for the user who values speed, portability, and the added bonus of an integrated cat bed over a solid wood appearance.
3. iPrimio Stainless Steel Litter Box 2 Pack
- Spacious and Durable: Crafted for longevity, this large stainless steel litter box ensures a rust-resistant, odorless experience, ideal for big cats who need extra space and comfort
- Dual Compartment Fit: Accommodates multiple cats with ease, as this litter box enclosure for 2 litter boxes offers ample room, ensuring cats have their own dedicated area, minimizing mess
- Safe and Stylish: Designed with safety in mind, this cat litter box has rounded edges and high sides to prevent litter scatter while adding a sleek look to your home
The iPrimio is not an enclosure but an alternative solution to the same problems: odor and mess. This high-sided, stainless steel litter box will never absorb odors, crack, or stain like plastic pans can. Its high walls do an excellent job of containing litter and spray. A user might choose the iPrimio over the Honiakaka if their primary concern is the lifetime durability and odor-resistance of the pan itself, and they don’t need or want to conceal the box within an outer structure. It solves the cleanliness problem at the source, while the Honiakaka solves the aesthetic and litter-tracking problem through concealment.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Honiakaka Enclosure Right for You?
After extensive testing, we can confidently say the Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed is an innovative and highly practical solution for a specific type of cat owner. Its greatest strengths lie in its unparalleled ease of setup, its brilliant portability, and its clever dual-function design that saves both space and money. It effectively contains litter scatter and provides cats with a cozy, private space for both their business and their naps. The crucial caveat is size. This enclosure is an absolute home run for cats with small to medium-large litter pans.
If you live in an apartment, need a flexible solution you can easily move or store, and have a litter pan that fits within its generous-but-not-jumbo dimensions, we wholeheartedly recommend it. It solves the problem of the unsightly litter box with modern convenience and a cat-centric design. For those who are ready to reclaim their floor space and give their cat a private palace and a comfy perch all in one, the Honiakaka Hidden Litter Box Enclosure with Cat Bed is an excellent, high-value choice worth your consideration.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API