Here’s step-by-step instructions on how to make a sifting litter box. This is specifically for pine pellets. If this seems like too much work, you can always get a ready-made sifting litter box for pine pellets.
Gather your supplies
You will need:
- Two plastic bins
- Marker
- Drill bit and drill
- Sand paper
- Safety goggles and gloves
Things to look out for in plastic bins
Ideally, you’ll find the top bin to fit into the bottom bin with some room between the bottoms of the bin. The gap between the bottoms of the bins is where the pine pellet dust will drop and gather.
Plastic storage containers are great options, they’re sturdy and stack well. You’ll want to make sure that the plastic is not too brittle or it could break when drilling holes. Pine pellets can be heavy, so you’ll want to make sure that it can handle the weight and not feel flimsy.
Find something that your cat can turn around comfortably in. Higher side are great if you have a cat that likes to dig aggressively, or if they have an elevator butt (the one where your cats starts off in a squatting position but lifts its butt up as they urinate). Larger is always much more preferable.
If you can find a top bin that always has a netting or holes them, then you have an instant sifting litter box. Just stack it on top of a solid bottom bin and you’re ready to go. This can be some sort of a colander or organizing basket.
Step-by-step instructions: DIY sifting litter box for pine pellets
Step 1: Mark the holes
To start your DIY sifting litter box for pine pellets, use your marker draw out where you want the holes located on one of the bins. You’re trying to create a sift, so make sure to draw them in a pattern that will allow the pine pellets to move from one bin to the other through the holes. Having a 1-2 inch gap in between the holes is great if you can do that, as it’s fine enough to sift efficiently.
Step 2: Drill holes
Pine pellets are typically 0.25 to about 1.5 inches in length, with a diameter of 6mm to 8mm. Depending on the size of your pallets, you’ll need to find the right size drill bit. Always do a small test spot. And remember, you can always drill a bigger hole if needed, but not smaller. Always remember to wear safety goggles and gloves when drilling!
Step 3: Sandpaper the holes
Once all the holes are drilled, take some sand paper and smooth the edges of each hole. This will make it easier for those pesky pine pellets dust to move through them without getting stuck at the rough edges. It’s also much safer for your cat to use, and for you to clean.
Step 4: Place the hole bin inside the solid bin and fill with litter
The bin with the holes should fit snugly inside the solid bin. And hopefully with some gap in between the bottoms. You can add baking soda to the bottom of the solid bin to help with odor control. It’s safe as your cat will not be coming in direct contact with it. Then add your litter to the top bin with holes.
Step 5: And voila!
Place in your desired spot and enjoy!
