As dedicated cat owners, we accept certain truths. We will forever find cat hair on our black clothes, our sleep will be dictated by a 5 AM feline alarm clock, and somewhere in our home, there must be a litter box. For years, I battled with this last point. Living in a moderately sized apartment, there was no “out of the way” place. The plastic pan became an unwelcome centerpiece in the bathroom, a visual and olfactory disruption in an otherwise carefully curated space. It’s the classic conundrum: you love your cat, but you don’t love their toilet being the first thing guests see. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a harmonious living environment for both humans and pets, where a necessary utility doesn’t compromise your home’s comfort and style. The search for a solution that was both functional for my cat and pleasing to my eye led me down a rabbit hole of options, culminating in our hands-on testing of the unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture.
- BETTER LIFE: If you really don't want an open and unsightly litter box on your main floor so unipaws litter box enclosure is perfect! No more embarrassing odor or unsightly waste exposed. Enjoy...
- PET PRIVACY CARE: Cats are inherently hyper-vigilant. They need their own safe spot where they can have their privacy for potty time and feel safe in the process. You will see your cat swish their...
- MULTI-FUNCTION CAT HOUSE: Beautiful night stand hides your cat’s litter box or bed. Stylish furniture look blends with your home decor. Wide top space to organize your kitty gears, magazines, the tv...
What to Consider Before Buying a Litter Box Enclosure
A Litter Box Enclosure is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for integrating your pet’s needs seamlessly into your home’s decor. It tackles multiple problems at once: hiding the unsightly plastic box, providing your cat with a private, secure space to do their business, containing odors more effectively, and reducing the amount of litter tracked throughout your house. Many, like the unipaws model, double as functional furniture—a stylish end table, a nightstand, or a storage bench—effectively giving you back a piece of your floor space. By transforming a utility item into a piece of decor, these enclosures help restore a sense of order and style to your living area, making your home more welcoming for you and your guests.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone living in a smaller space like an apartment or condo where a litter box is unavoidably in a main living area. It’s also perfect for multi-pet households, especially for those looking to create a “dog-proof” cat litter station. Style-conscious individuals who refuse to let a plastic pan dictate their interior design will find these enclosures invaluable. However, it might not be the best fit for those with extremely large, elderly, or arthritic cats who may struggle with the side entry, or for owners who prefer the simplicity of an open-air pan and have a dedicated, hidden space like a laundry room or basement. For those individuals, a high-sided litter pan or a simple mat might suffice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is the most critical factor. You must measure not only the external footprint to ensure the furniture fits in your desired location but also the interior dimensions. Ensure your current litter box, or the one you plan to buy, fits comfortably inside with enough clearance for your cat to turn around. The unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture boasts generous interior dimensions of 27.2” x 18.7” x 18”, making it a strong contender for larger or even automatic litter boxes.
- Capacity/Performance: Performance in an enclosure is about more than just holding a box. Consider ventilation—are there discreet holes or gaps to allow for air circulation? Think about how well it contains litter scatter and odor. The design of the entrance and the enclosure’s overall construction play a huge role in its effectiveness at keeping your floors clean and the air fresh.
- Materials & Durability: Most enclosures in this price range are made from engineered wood (MDF or particle board) with a laminate or veneer finish. While this makes them affordable and stylish, they are more susceptible to water damage from urine misses than solid wood or plastic. Look for sturdy construction and consider preventative measures, as some savvy users do, like lining the inside with waterproof contact paper to prolong the furniture’s life.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: How easy is it to clean? Models with wide-swinging front doors or a hinged top lid, like this unipaws model, offer far better access for daily scooping and deep cleaning than those with only a small side entrance. Consider the hardware as well; sturdy hinges and magnetic closures will stand up to repeated use much better than flimsy components.
While the unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture 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: Unboxing and Assembling the unipaws Enclosure
The unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture arrived in a substantial, 37-pound flat-pack box. Upon opening, we were pleased to find all components neatly organized and protected by large pieces of styrofoam, which minimized the risk of shipping damage—a common concern with furniture of this type. The engineered wood pieces felt dense and heavy, giving an immediate impression of sturdiness. The white finish was smooth and consistent, looking less like a pet product and more like a piece of contemporary furniture you’d find at a home goods store.
Assembly was refreshingly straightforward. The instructions were primarily visual, much like assembling Lego, which we found intuitive and easy to follow. All the pre-drilled holes were perfectly aligned, a detail that many other flat-pack furniture items get wrong. One user noted, “I’ve put together a lot of items THIS was very simple and easy to assemble,” and our experience mirrored this. While the instructions recommend two people for attaching the heavy, hinged lid, we managed it solo by following a clever tip from another user who used the packaging styrofoam to prop up the lid and main body for perfect alignment. The entire process took just under an hour, requiring only a Phillips screwdriver and the included Allen wrench.
What We Like
- Elegant, minimalist design that blends into home decor
- Surprisingly easy and intuitive assembly process
- Spacious interior accommodates large and automatic litter boxes
- Versatile design with an optional internal divider
- Effectively contains litter scatter and helps mitigate odors
What We Don’t Like
- Made of engineered wood, which is susceptible to moisture damage
- Some users report a small gap between the front doors
A Deep Dive into the unipaws Enclosure’s Form and Function
After assembly and a week of rigorous testing with our two feline assistants, we’ve scrutinized every aspect of this enclosure. It’s more than just a box; it’s a thoughtfully designed piece that aims to solve multiple pet-owner problems simultaneously. We broke down our analysis into three core areas: its aesthetic integration and design, its practical functionality for both cats and humans, and its long-term durability prospects.
Design and Aesthetics: Seamlessly Blending In
The primary reason anyone buys this product is to hide a litter box, and in this, the unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture excels. Its clean lines, classic white finish, and minimalist hardware allow it to disappear into almost any room. We placed it in our living room, and as one user happily reported, we immediately started getting “compliments from friends and catsitters on this piece.” It’s not immediately recognizable for its true purpose. The wide top surface is genuinely useful, transforming the unit into a functional end table perfect for a lamp, books, or a potted plant. One owner even noted they use it as a bench by their front door for putting on shoes, a testament to its surprising sturdiness.
The versatility is another strong point. The cat entrance can be configured on either the left or right side during assembly, giving you flexibility in room placement. This adaptability is a small but significant detail that shows thoughtful design. However, it’s not without minor aesthetic flaws. We, and a few other users, noticed a slightly larger-than-ideal gap between the two front doors when closed. While not a dealbreaker, it’s a tell-tale sign of flat-pack furniture. Overall, though, its ability to transform an eyesore into an attractive, functional piece of furniture is its greatest design achievement.
Functionality, Customization, and Cat Comfort
Beyond its good looks, the enclosure must work for its primary user: the cat. We found that our cats adapted to it almost instantly, appreciating the privacy and security it offered. The interior is impressively spacious. After measuring our jumbo-sized, high-sided litter pan (a large 23″ x 17″), we were thrilled to see it slide in with room to spare. This is a major selling point, as many other enclosures on the market can only accommodate standard-sized pans. This finding is echoed across numerous user reviews, with one stating, “We have a larger, stainless steel litter box… It fits inside of this enclosure just fine and still has a bit more space.”
The most celebrated feature is the optional internal divider. For those with smaller litter boxes, the divider creates a separate “mudroom” compartment that acts as a fantastic litter-trapping zone. For owners of extra-large or automatic self-cleaning litter boxes (like the PetSafe ScoopFree), the divider can be left out entirely, creating one large, cavernous space. This customizability is what makes the unipaws enclosure a truly versatile choice that can adapt to your specific needs. From a human perspective, cleaning is made simple by the two wide-opening front doors and the hinged lid. This dual-access system provides complete, unobstructed entry to the litter box for daily scooping, which is far superior to enclosures that only have a single small door. It effectively contains about 98% of litter scatter, with only a small amount escaping on paws through the entrance, which is easily managed with a small mat.
Durability and Long-Term Use: What to Expect from Engineered Wood
Here, we must be realistic. The unipaws enclosure is crafted from engineered wood (also known as particle board or MDF), which allows for its affordable price point and stylish finish. It’s heavy and feels sturdy enough for its intended purpose—some users even sit on it—but it has a critical vulnerability: moisture. Cat urine is corrosive, and if it seeps into the seams or unprotected edges of particle board, it can cause the material to swell and degrade over time. This is the product’s primary Achilles’ heel.
One user shared a cautionary tale about using a harsh cleaning spray on the finish, which caused it to wipe away, leaving “paper towels covered in black gunk.” This highlights the need for gentle, non-abrasive cleaning methods. The most insightful piece of feedback came from a proactive owner who shared their brilliant solution: “Contact Paper and potty pads. Really. Leaks and misses are gonna happen. The contact paper is perfect from preventing urine from seeping into the cracks.” We consider this an essential “pro tip” for any buyer. By investing a few extra dollars and a little time to line the bottom and lower seams with waterproof contact paper, you can dramatically extend the life of this furniture and protect your investment. We also noted a review mentioning a hinge broke after a year of use, suggesting the hardware may be a long-term weak point, but given the overall positive feedback, this seems to be an outlier rather than the norm.
What Other Users Are Saying
Scouring through hundreds of experiences, a clear consensus emerges. The vast majority of owners are thrilled with the unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture, frequently calling it a “game-changer” for small living spaces. One happy customer living in on-post Army housing perfectly summarized the sentiment: “Thinking about the smell, the look and mess of a litter box was nearly a deal-breaker for me. I am beyond pleased with this purchase! It looks so aesthetically pleasing, it absolutely contains the smell.” The ease of assembly and its ability to fit very large litter boxes are points of constant praise.
However, the feedback isn’t universally perfect. The most common critiques revolve around the nature of the material. Some units arrived with minor cosmetic damage from shipping, such as chipped corners, which is an inherent risk with particle board furniture. One review stated plainly, “It’s really cute, but it came damaged and not worth the price,” highlighting the frustration when this happens. Others noted the small gap between the front doors, which can allow a tiny amount of litter to escape if a cat is a particularly aggressive digger. These critiques are valid and serve as an important reminder that while it looks high-end, it is still a budget-friendly furniture piece made from engineered materials.
How Does the unipaws Enclosure Compare to the Alternatives?
The market for litter box furniture is crowded, but the unipaws model holds its own. When compared to its direct competitors, its unique combination of size, dual-access cleaning, and clean, versatile aesthetics helps it stand out. Here’s a look at how it stacks up against some other popular options.
1. Nova Microdermabrasion Hidden Cat Litter Box Cabinet
- Cat litter box furniture hidden is to provide your cat with a comfortable and private space to do their business while keeping your home clean and odor free. Say goodbye to unsightly litter boxes and...
- Smart Design: Featuring with decorative cat hole provides your cats easier access to their litter box; while 9 Pre cut holes in the back panels allow properly air flow to keep the inner dry and fresh;...
- Multi functional Cat House: The pet furniture serves as nightstand,side table,decorative cat litter box enclosure or cat house. With wide table top allows you to place lamp, books, magazines, potted...
The Nova Microdermabrasion cabinet offers a very similar proposition with its furniture-style design and enclosed nature. It often comes in at a slightly lower price point, which may be appealing for budget-conscious buyers. However, it typically features a single-door design and may have more limited interior space compared to the unipaws model. This makes it a better fit for those with standard-sized litter boxes and less of a priority on easy, wide-open access for cleaning. If your primary goal is simply to hide the box for the lowest cost, and you don’t need to accommodate a jumbo pan, this is a worthy alternative.
2. Feandrea Cat Litter Box Furniture UPCL004X01
- 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...
Feandrea is a major player in this space, known for its rustic and industrial-style designs. This particular model, with its rustic brown finish and barn-door style cabinet, appeals to a different aesthetic than the clean, white unipaws enclosure. It’s an excellent choice for homes with farmhouse or industrial decor. Functionally, it’s very similar, often including a removable divider and offering good interior space. The choice between the Feandrea and the unipaws often comes down to personal style preference—do you prefer a modern, minimalist look or a warmer, more rustic vibe?
3. TRIXIE Small Cat Litter Box Enclosure
- 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 is a classic option that has been popular for years. It’s often more compact, making it suitable for very small spaces or for those who use smaller litter pans. Its traditional, almost cottage-like design with wainscoting detail may appeal to those with more classic home decor. The primary drawback compared to the unipaws is its size. It generally will not fit larger or automatic litter boxes, making it a non-starter for many multi-cat homes or owners of bigger breeds. It’s a solid choice for a single, smaller cat in a home where space is at an absolute premium.
The Final Verdict: Is the unipaws Enclosure Right for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, we can confidently recommend the unipaws Hidden Cat Litter Box Enclosure Furniture. It masterfully solves the problem of the intrusive litter box, replacing it with a stylish and functional piece of furniture that genuinely enhances a room. Its key strengths are its surprisingly simple assembly, its clean and versatile aesthetic, and, most importantly, its spacious and customizable interior that can accommodate even extra-large and automatic litter boxes—a feature that sets it apart from many competitors.
While its engineered wood construction requires mindful cleaning and preventative measures against moisture, this is a reasonable trade-off for its affordable price and chic design. For the cat owner tired of sacrificing their home’s style for their pet’s needs, this enclosure is a brilliant and effective compromise. It restores harmony to your living space, gives your cat a private sanctuary, and proves that pet ownership doesn’t have to mean plastic pans in plain sight. If you’re ready to reclaim your space and give your cat a designated, discreet washroom, we believe this is one of the best and most versatile options available. You can check its current price and see more user photos right here.
Last update on 2025-10-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API