Use Empty Litter Containers For Space-Saving DIY Cat Beds

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

When you have cats, it can feel like you're constantly going through containers of litter (especially if you have multiple furry friends). So, instead of throwing yet another one into your trash can or recycling bin, why not repurpose it into something useful, like a cozy pet bed? This creative idea comes to us from TikTok creator Abby (@abigailshook18), who turned a pair of old litter buckets into outdoor beds for her cats.

Not only is this a clever way to use empty cat litter containers, but it's also a great way to save room in your yard. Better yet, you can do that while creating a comfortable space for your pets to rest. That's because the beds are mounted onto an exterior wall of your home, so they don't take up room on the ground. And since the buckets are made of hard plastic, they should stand up well against the elements.

These containers can hold a decent amount of weight — the Purina Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance Clumping Cat Litter ($20.97 at Walmart) contains 35 pounds of litter, for example. Because of that, they should be strong enough to support an average-sized cat, which weighs between 8 and 12 pounds. (However, this can vary by breed.) One more benefit of this DIY? It only requires a few supplies and tools, so it's an affordable project that you can tackle in less than half an hour.

Speaking of supplies, let's talk about what you need to upcycle this household item for your pets. For starters, you'll want to use a large litter pail — like the Purina Tidy Cats product we mentioned earlier. Aside from that, you'll need a blanket that fits inside the container and a utility knife. And if you plan on attaching the beds to a wall (like Abby did), make sure you have a drill and four large screws per litter bucket.

@abigailshook18

Trying to find ways to repurpose these #tidycat #catbeds #repurpose #foryourpage #cat

♬ original sound – Abby🪿

Abby's video doesn't include step-by-step directions on how to build the beds, but she does explain a little bit about her process, which we'll break down here. Get started by cutting off the handle and the larger section of the container's lid with your knife. Don't remove the smaller piece; it will help prevent the blankets from falling out when the cats are inside. Then, dump out any leftover litter into the trash and wash the bucket with mild, unscented dish soap and warm water.

Once the container is clean and dry, feel free to spruce up the exterior with a coat of waterproof paint or outdoor peel-and-stick paper. You can then mount it to the wall by placing the bottom of the bucket against the wall, then using your drill to drive two screws through the upper side. Add another couple of screws toward the lower part of the bucket. Wiggle it around to make sure it's secure — and when it is, fold up the blanket, lay it in the container, and wait for your cat to curl up in their new bed.