Cat Tree With Storage vs Litter Box Furniture: Which Should You Buy First?
A cat tree-with-storage versus a litter box enclosure comes down to one question: does your cat need vertical play, or do you need to hide the waste? Here’s how to pick the right one for your place.
What Is Each Piece?
Both products look like ordinary furniture, but they solve opposite problems.
Cat Tree With Storage
A climbing tower (platforms, perches, and often a scratching post) built on top of a closed cabinet. The cat uses the height; you use the hidden storage for toys, treats, and grooming tools. It is the upgrade we cover in ourcat tree with hidden storage guide.
Litter Box Furniture
A cabinet, bench, or end table with an enclosed interior compartment that hides the litter box. Its job is to contain litter, reduce odor, and keep the box out of sight. Some designs add a storage drawer on top, but the core function is litter concealment.
Cat Tree Storage vs Litter Box: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Cat Tree With Storage | Litter Box Furniture |
|---|---|---|
| Main job | Cat enrichment + supply storage | Conceal litter box, control odor |
| Who uses it | Cat (climb) + owner (storage) | Cat (box) + owner (appearance) |
| Height | Tall, vertical space | Low, bench or cabinet height |
| Best for | Boredom, clutter, no climbing spot | Odor, litter tracking, visible box |
| Footprint | One cabinet-width base | One bench/cabinet base |
Neither is the “better” buy. They fix different pain points, so match the purchase to your most urgent complaint.
Choose a Cat Tree With Storage If…
- Your cat has no place to climb, perch, or scratch indoors.
- You notice boredom behaviors, window-staring, couch-climbing, or night zoomies.
- Pet toys and supplies are scattered across boxes and baskets.
- You want one coordinated, furniture-style piece instead of a carpet-covered tree.
Vertical space matters more than most owners expect. Ourguide on why indoor cats need vertical spaceexplains the behavior behind it.
Choose Litter Box Furniture If…
- The open litter box is the first thing guests see.
- You smell litter even with regular scooping.
- Litter tracks across the floor around the box.
- You want the box in a living area without it looking like a box.
For hidden-box styling ideas, see our roundup ofhidden cat litter box furniture for small homes.
Can You Use Both?
Yes, and in many homes you eventually will. A cat tree with storage handles enrichment and clutter, while litter box furniture handles the box. They are complementary, not competing. If you can only buy one now, start with whichever problem is most visible day to day: a bored, climbing cat points to the tree; a smelly, exposed box points to the enclosure.
Space-Saving Tip: Two Jobs in One Footprint
If floor space is tight, look for pieces that combine functions. A storage cat tree already merges climbing and supply storage, so you can skip a separate bin. That’s why vertical, multi-use furniture wins in apartments. See our small-apartment cat furniture ideas for the full approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a cat tree with storage also hide a litter box?
Not usually. The cabinet is sized for supplies, not a litter pan, and cats prefer their litter area separate from their resting and climbing zones. Use a dedicated litter box enclosure for the box.
Which is better for small apartments?
Both save space versus separate pet items, but a cat tree with storage usually earns its spot first because it adds vertical enrichment a small home otherwise lacks. Add litter box furniture only if the exposed box is a real problem.
Do cats prefer open or hidden litter boxes?
Most cats accept a clean, well-ventilated hidden box, but some feel trapped in fully enclosed designs. Keep the entrance clear and scoop daily so the enclosure stays inviting.
Is a cat tree with storage worth the money?
For owners who want both enrichment and organization, yes, it replaces a cat tree and a storage bin with one furniture-style piece, which is cheaper and tidier than buying both separately.
How do I reduce litter tracking?
Use a litter mat at the entrance, choose a low-dust litter, and place the enclosure on a hard floor. Enclosure furniture already contains most scatter compared with an open box.
Trusted Cat Care Resources
Recommended: OmniHaven Cat Tree Storage Cabinet
- Climbing tower + concealed storage cabinet in one furniture-style piece
- High-Quality Wood body with a reinforced metal frame for stable support
- Dimensions: 23.6″ W × 18.9″ D × 48.4″ H; about 42.7 lbs assembled
- Brown+White finish that fits modern living rooms and bedrooms