20+ Easy IKEA Hacks for Cats (and Cat Parents!)

This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. If you make a purchase through any of these links, we may make a small commission (at no additional cost to you). For more info, please click here

Are you a creative cat parent that loves a good IKEA hack? Today’s post is for you! Check out over 20 easy IKEA hacks for cats below from clever cat parents around the world.

Clever IKEA Cat Litter Box Hacks

IKEA PAX Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack by Dana Miller via House Tweaking

Image and IKEA Hack by Dana Miller via House Tweaking

Out of sight, and out of reach of cheeky toddlers! Dana Miller of House Tweaking hid her cat litter box away inside an IKEA PAX wardrobe. Dana added an inconspicuous cat door to the side of the wardrobe so her kitty, Cheetah, could have easy access. Aesthetically pleasing AND practical – we love it!

IKEA PS Cabinet Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Alexandra Gater on YouTube

Image and IKEA Hack via Alexandra Gater on YouTube

Another genius hidden litter box IKEA hack above, this time by Alexandra Gator via YouTube, using an IKEA PS locker-style cabinet. You can find the same tutorial here, in blog format, by Andrea at Salty Canary. So chic!

Image and IKEA Hack via Danae @ The Homebody House

Another chic DIY hidden litter box solution. This IKEA hack comes courtesy of Danae at The Homebody House. Danae used an IKEA BRUSALI cabinet for this hack which is no longer available, however, you could totally substitute it for an IKEA BRIMNES cabinet, which looks very similar.

Images and IKEA Hack via Laura March @ DIY Network

Laura March at the DIY Network chose an IKEA BESTA cabinet with stylish sage green doors for her hidden litter box DIY. She also added a carpet square inside the opening to help collect the loose litter from her kitty’s paws on its way out – so clever!

IKEA HOL Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Lisa @ Pretty Nice

Image and IKEA Hack
via Lisa @ Pretty Nice

Instead of using a cabinet to hide their litter boxes, Samantha of @myhousewokuplikethis and Lisa of Pretty Nice have both hacked an IKEA HOL storage bench. Unfortunately, this particular bench is no longer available but could easily be substituted for an IKEA ÄPPLARÖ storage bench instead.

IKEA Cat Scratching Post Hacks

IKEA Scratching Mat Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Marij Hessel @ Enter My Attic

Image and IKEA Hack via Marij Hessel @ Enter My Attic

Marij of Enter My Attic has done a super cute job of her DIY IKEA cat scratching board using 2 pieces of wood, and mini rug from IKEA. Whilst the particular rug Marij has used is no longer available, this hack could be easily replicated using the IKEA LYNDERUP doormat from the current catalogue. Head on over to Marij’s blog for the full tutorial!

IKEA LURVIG Scratching Mat for Cats - Image via IKEA

Image via IKEA

No hacking is required for this cute table leg come scratching post transformation from IKEA! Simply attach the IKEA LURVIG cat scratching mat using the Velcro tabs provided and you’re good to go! For Prime lovers, you can also find the LURVIG scratch mat on Amazon.

Julie AKA Princesse Guerrière, a contributor at IKEA Hackers has stacked 4 IKEA LACK side tables together using a few brackets and screws to create this cute scratching post cat tower! Head on over to IKEA Hackers (linked above) for the full tutorial.

IKEA Cat Shelf Ideas and Climbing Wall Hacks

IKEA EKET Climbing Wall Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Lisa @ Pretty Nice

Image and IKEA Hack via Lisa @ Pretty Nice

Cats LOVE climbing and high spaces, so why not treat them to their very own indoor cat wall like Lisa of Pretty Nice! Lisa has used a combination of IKEA EKET wall cabinets and carpet tiles for this IKEA hack. We love the birch scratch/climb post too! Check out her blog (linked above) for full details.

IKEA MOSSLANDA and KNAGGLIG Climbing Wall for Cats - Image via IKEA

Image via IKEA

Another easy cat climbing wall hack pictured above using IKEA MOSSLANDA picture ledges and IKEA KNAGGLIG pine boxes – such a fun idea! You can also find both the MOSSLANDA shelves and KNAGGLIG boxes on Amazon, too.

IKEA Wall Cabinet Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Marij Hessel @ Enter My Attic

Image and IKEA Hack via Marij Hessel @ Enter My Attic

Another cute IKEA hack from Marij at Enter My Attic pictured above; this time using an IKEA PS wall cabinet (now discontinued) to create a wall-hung hangout for her kitty, Def. The IKEA SEKTION horizontal wall cabinet is a great alternative for the PS in this hack.

IKEA GRANHULT/BERGSHULT Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Scott H. Contributor @ IkeaHackers

Image and IKEA Hack via Scott H. Contributor @ IKEA Hackers

Scott H., a contributor at IKEA Hackers has created this neat climbing wall for his cats using IKEA GRANHULT shelving brackets and IKEA BERGSHULT shelves in various sizes. He’s also attached pieces of carpet runner to the shelves using velcro pads for extra grip. Scott used heavy-duty wall anchors to ensure the shelves did not become loose from the cats repeatedly jumping on them. Very smart!

IKEA Cat Hammock Hacks

IKEA Coffee Table Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Marij Hessel @ Enter My Attic

Image and IKEA Hack via Marij Hessel @ Enter My Attic

Another sweet IKEA hack for cats is pictured above from Marij at Enter My Attic. For this hack, Marij has created a custom cat hammock using IKEA fabric that slips over the side-brace supports of her IKEA TILLEFALLE coffee table.

Unfortunately, this particular coffee table and fabric combination are no longer available at IKEA, however, we think you could re-create this hack using an IKEA LISTERBY or LISABO coffee table (with a little bit of modification adding/removing brace supports). Both are very visually similar.

Side Table Hack for Cats, Image and Hack by Chloe Mackintosh via Martha Stewart

Full disclosure, this is actually a Project 62 side table hack, not IKEA, but we think it could be easily replicated using an IKEA NYBODA side table or IKEA KNARREVIK nightstand. Both IKEA substitutes are very structurally and visually similar, meaning you could still follow Chloe’s step-by-step tutorial over on the Martha Stewart website.

IKEA Kallax Cat Hacks

Easy IKEA Hacks for Cats feat.  FEXTTEN Thick Felt Cat Cube Cave for IKEA Shelf - Easy Travel Cat Cube Bed - Foldable Cat Houses for Indoor Cats

IKEA KALLAX cubby holes were practically made for cats! Not really, but they sure are the perfect size for a cozy cat cave! Check out the cute felt cat cave options made for the KALLAX from Amazon seller, Fexxten, above, as well as two more affordable Amazon options below.

Easy IKEA Hacks for Cats feat.  MiMu Cozy Cat Bed Cave - Large Cat Bed Hideouts with Felt Cat Cube Insert Pillow, Covered Cat Bed Box Shaped Cat Hut

Above via MiMu (Amazon)

Easy IKEA Hacks for Cats feat.  VIIRKUJA Felt cat cave in Blue Including Cushion, Suitable for e.g. IKEA Expedit & Kallax Shelf, Extra Fluffy Cushion, Especially Stable and Warm

Above via MVIIRKUJA (Amazon)

IKEA LURVIG Cat House for IKEA KALLAX Storage Unit - Image via IKEA

Image via IKEA

IKEA KALLAX Cubbies for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Serena Verbon @ BeautyLab.NL

Image and IKEA Hack
via Serena Verbon @ BeautyLab.NL

Of course, IKEA also offers their own line of cat house options to fit the KALLAX – see the IKEA LURVIG cat house pictured above in black. 

Alternatively, do as Serena Verbon of Beauty Lab.NL has done and check out the kitty-shaped hidey-hole options for KALLAX from Zooplus (pictured above in gray).

IKEA KALLAX Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Deidre @ Whimzie Quiltz

Image and IKEA Hack via Deidre @ Whimzie Quiltz

This awesome cat castle by Deidre at Whimzie Quiltz is an architectural marvel! Well, in the house cat world anyway! It was built using a combination of IKEA KALLAX units (in different sizes), IKEA GRANHULT/BERSHULT shelves, and several items from the IKEA LURVIG pet line for cats – very creative indeed!

Image via SmugNStuff (Etsy)

Another great IKEA KALLAX add-on for cats is pictured above from Etsy seller, SmugNStuff.

IKEA Cat Bed and Furniture Hacks

IKEA Nightstand Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via P3 Designwork

Image and IKEA Hack via P3 Designwork

The above creative cat scratcher bed IKEA hack comes courtesy of P3 Designwork, and uses an IKEA LIERSKOGEN nightstand (now discontinued), and corrugated cardboard sheets. Although the LIERSKOGEN is no longer available in-store, we think you could re-create P3 Designworks’ hack using an IKEA LUBBAN serving cart instead. Click over to their website for the step-by-step guide.

Seagrass Basket Cat Bed - Image via Chelsea Bird

Image via Chelsea Bird

This one is more of a “re-purposing” than an IKEA hack but we love the idea from Chelsea Bird just the same! Full disclosure, Chelsea’s basket is actually from Target, however, you could totally transform an IKEA FLÅDIS seagrass basket into a super-cute cat cave without much effort at all – just add a cozy blanket or kitty pillow and you’re done!

IKEA ALSEDA Foot Stool Cat Bed - Image via Chelsea Bird

Image via Chelsea Bird

Another IKEA “re-purposing” above from Chelsea Bird featuring the IKEA ALSEDA footstool as a comfy perch/cat bed for kitties – cute!

Image via Xenotees (Etsy)

IKEA DUKTIG Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Reddit (u/LunaTheTater01)

Image and IKEA Hack
via Reddit (u/LunaTheTater01)

How cute are these IKEA DUKTIG doll beds as cat beds?! You can even hack 2 to create a bunk bed like Reddit user, LunaTheTater01. Don’t forget to add a cute catnip pillow from Etsy seller, Xenotees (pictured above) – adorable!

IKEA GAMLEHULT for Cats - Image via Meow Lifestyle

Image via Meow Lifestyle

Another cute IKEA hack/re-purposing using the IKEA GAMLEHULT storage ottoman as a cat cave like Meow Lifestyle and Instagram user, @veggiedayz!

IKEA GAMLEHULT for Cats - Image via @veggiedayz on Instagram

Image via @veggiedayz on Instagram

IKEA Cat Enclosure Hack using IKEA HEJNE

IKEA HEJNE Hack for Cats - Image and Ikea Hack via Trisha Sprouse @ Cuteness

Image and IKEA Hack via Trisha Sprouse @ Cuteness

Finally, this IKEA cat enclosure hack using 2 IKEA HEJNE shelf units is sheer genius in our humble opinion! What a great way to keep your kitties safe whilst outdoors. Kudos to you Trisha Sprouse, we wish we’d seen your clever IKEA hack before embarking on our own catio building adventure!

Be sure to head on over to the Cuteness website for the full step-by-step breakdown for this hack.

We hope you enjoyed today’s inspirational round-up of easy IKEA hacks for cats! 

Pin for later:

Are you a creative cat parent that loves a good IKEA hack? Check out 20+ easy IKEA hacks for cats (and cat parents!) right here!