Okay, you guys know I have cats… maybe? and I love them. Actually I love all pets, and someday I want a farm, with dogs and goats and geese and a pig maybe (but I could never slaughter it) any-hoo, for now it is two cats and two hens… And when I saw this project I blurted out “Genius!” loudly to my computer screen. I have seen ideas like this before. but this is the first in blog land and it is a nice surprise project. Lisa at Recaptured Charm made a great transformation with this old thing. Check it out!
Alrighty! It’s time to let the cat out of the bag !
Remember the old cabinet I posted last week , it looked like this. I must reinforce that this cabinet was really one step from the garbage. It was cracked everywhere, warped and filled with holes.
I was waiting for just such a cabinet for this project !
Since I didn’t need any of the insides of this cabinet, we cleared out everything, plus the drawers, and just used the drawer fronts.
The drawer fronts were then applied to this piece of wood, which will later be hinged to the bottom of the cabinet.
Now for a coat of KILZ Primer and a very LIGHT coat of white. Since this cabinet was in terrible shape there really wasn’t any choice but to treat it as a rustic piece of furniture. Embrace it’s flaws.
The previous TIN handles were just NOT gonna cut it! We couldn’t reuse them if we wanted to.
Because of the nature of this project I really didn’t want to spend any money on it. I searched the garage for something that I could use for handles. Right in the corner of the garage sat a box of firewood and branches from the tree in my yard. How perfect!
Well here she is, all dressed her rustic garb.
Isn’t she beautiful ?
Ok, another angle…
But what makes her so different you ask ?
Surely this is just another cabinet… no ?
No
Lets look from this angle..
and.. perhaps THIS angle.. 
and who’s that going to check it out ??
Hey Coco !
So lets just turn back the clock a bit.
First we had to make sure there was a vent. Not only to let in a little light but some much needed air.
Then of course there’s the cat flap, which was the only money I spent on this cabinet. Around $12.
Here’s a peek with me holding up the cat flap for a look inside.
LOVE the cracked floor!
So there you have it.
The cat is out of the bag! (or in my case.. the washroom)
Here was Coco’s litter box before ( I’m ashamed to say), in a bathroom that is desperate need of a makeover. (That will be coming soon.)
BEFORE
After
DISCLAIMER
**No real, fine furniture was hurt during the making of this project*
***No this is not staying in my front entrance next to my kitchen!!**
What do you think?
Genius! (couldn’t help but scream that out again!)
Genius! (couldn’t help but scream that out again!)
>You are amazing!! I love the way your piece turned out and to be a hiding spot for the litter box, is just the best. You are so creative! Love & blessings from NC!
>This project is not only super cute but so very functional. How does the cat like it?
Thanks so much for sharing.
>This is my favourite piece of remodelling EVER!!!!! How genius indeed!! I was just loving the handles, but then you showed us the interiors and then I died!!! 🙂
And I don't even have a cat..yet!
Do you think it would be ok for a dog too (a larger piece..)? 🙂
Hugs,
Bird
>Saw this posted on a friends FB yesterday and found my project piece at a yard sale today. Hope to have Aruba in is new "bathroom" by the end of the weekend.
CAT
>Wow! You're right–this is a genius idea! Thanks for following me from FMF. I just followed you (stephanierosenhahn) You do amazing work!
Stephanie
https://sweetsavingsincolorado.blogspot.com
>This is remarkably clever and so well done. WOW!
>Thanks to all for your wonderful comments. In answer to a couple of questions. The wood stick handles are actually nailed on. As far as making one for a dog, I guess you could. I know cats like privacy when they do their business, so she has adapted very well and uses it with no problem. I would give it a try for a dog.
Thanks again.
Lisa
http://www.recapturedcharm.com
>I love, love, love this idea! I'm going to be on the lookout for an old cabinet!
>I am blown away by this….I love unexpected and you are at the top of my list on this one! Good on you!