If you’ve ever caught your cat chewing on your monstera (again), you’re not alone. City cats get bored—and let’s be honest, so do we. When there’s no backyard to roll around in or patch of sunlit grass to sprawl across, our furry roommates start making questionable life choices. So instead of battling your cat’s plant obsession or feeling guilty that your tiny apartment doesn’t come with a backyard, why not bring a little green inside?
Cat grass boxes are such a simple win. They look cute, they satisfy your cat’s jungle dreams, and—bonus—they double as stylish decor. I started with one random container of wheatgrass on a windowsill and now I’ve got a full-blown “cat lawn corner” situation next to the coffee table. My cat thinks he owns the place (he does), and honestly, it makes the whole room feel more alive.
So whether you’ve got a studio with slanted light or a family apartment with zero balcony space, here are 10+ cat grass box ideas that feel cozy, intentional, and just a little bit fun. Because even city cats deserve a patch of green they can call their own.
1. Window Ledge Planter with Cat Grass + Water Bowl Tray
Let’s start with the easiest setup: a narrow wood or ceramic planter box placed right on your sunniest ledge. Fill it with cat grass (wheatgrass, barley, or rye all work), and tuck in a small water bowl right into the planter tray. This not only encourages hydration—something cats are famously bad at—but creates a little mini oasis for your indoor fluff. If your ledge doesn’t get tons of light, consider a low-profile grow light clipped to the top of the window. It’s discreet and works surprisingly well.
This setup is especially great for apartments with no balcony. It brings a little slice of outside in, and cats love watching the world while nibbling away on their snack grass. Style tip: match your planter to your windowsill or use a contrasting matte color like charcoal or soft sage for that modern-cat-furniture vibe.
2. Built-In Cat Grass Bench for Small Living Rooms
This one’s for those of us who live in the land of multipurpose furniture. A shallow bench with a built-in section of turf or real cat grass? Game-changer. You can DIY this with an IKEA shoe rack, a tray insert, and a shallow grow bin lined with coconut coir or potting mix. Add a cushion on one side, a grass box on the other, and boom: it’s a lounge for you and your cat.
This idea works great against a blank wall or beneath a window. If your cat likes height, place it near a radiator cover or another surface they like to climb. Bonus if you sneak a scratching pad underneath. It’s like a mini living-room catio without actually being a catio.
3. Outdoor Balcony Grass Box with Drainage Tray
If you’re lucky enough to have a balcony, even a narrow one, make the most of it with a low wooden crate or plastic bin filled with soil and real cat grass. Add small holes underneath for drainage and a catch tray to keep things tidy. These look super cute alongside herbs or succulents and create a dedicated “green zone” for your indoor-outdoor explorer.
Use weather-resistant materials like cedar or composite wood, especially if your box will be exposed to rain or humidity. You can even attach a little leash hook nearby if your cat likes harness time outside. It’s a great way to keep things contained and chill.
4. Cat Grass Box Hidden in a Bookshelf Nook
This one’s sneaky and super chic. If you’ve got a low shelf or cubby that doesn’t get much use, turn it into a surprise garden for your cat. Line the space with a plastic or waterproof tray, fill it with grow medium, and add grass. It’s subtle, modern, and won’t interrupt your room’s design flow—unless your cat decides to turn it into a napping spot too (which they will).
Pair it with nearby vertical climbing shelves or wall steps to make the area part of a larger cat layout. A small LED strip light tucked above can help the grass thrive if natural light’s a bit meh.
5. Raised Cat Grass Planter with Built-in Feeding Station
Why not combine their favorite things? Grass + food. A waist-high planter box (like a tall console table) with cat grass on top and ceramic food and water bowls built into a recessed panel is both cute and super functional. It helps keep things tidy, raises the food to a more comfortable height for older cats, and gives them an enriching environment during mealtime.
Choose wood or faux-stone finishes for a cozy natural look. Some pet owners even add a little drawer underneath for treats, grooming wipes, or extra seed packs. Place it near the kitchen or an open hallway to blend into your home naturally.
6. Corner Cat Garden with Grass and Planters
Have one of those awkward corners in your living room or office? It’s the perfect spot for a little triangular cat garden. Use a corner shelf or a low wooden plant stand with staggered levels, and fill each one with different heights of cat grass, herbs safe for cats (like basil or mint), and maybe even a trailing plant up top (fake ones are fine too, if your cat’s a chewer).
This works especially well in small apartments, because it uses vertical space and doesn’t get in the way of foot traffic. If your cat likes to hide or nap under furniture, place a small cave bed at the base to turn the whole thing into a mini indoor jungle.
7. Modern Cat Grass Tray on a Floating Shelf
Want something minimal and low-effort? A single, modern floating shelf with a sleek tray of grass is such a clean, no-fuss way to make your space feel more alive—literally. Choose a shelf that’s already mounted in your cat’s chill zone or install one just for this. Use a shallow bamboo tray or white ceramic dish for the grass so it matches your home decor.
This is especially good for homes that lean more modern or Scandinavian in design. The simplicity of it blends in, but it still gives your cat a dedicated spot to graze and watch the room go by.
8. DIY Grass Box Coffee Table Insert
If you’re a little crafty and okay with some light DIY, consider modifying a coffee table by cutting a recessed section in the center and adding a removable grass planter. Think of it like a little terrarium—but for cats. It’s a unique design element, and honestly? It’s kind of a conversation starter. Especially if your cat is happily chewing it during movie night.
Make sure the edges are sealed or protected with silicone so you don’t get water damage on the table, and use a plastic liner tray inside for easy cleanup. If your coffee table has an open shelf underneath, you can even tuck in a cat bed or a toy basket for extra bonus points.
9. Cat Grass Rolling Cart or Trolley
Got a bar cart you never use? Or a little rolling shelf? Turn it into a portable cat garden! Fill the top with trays of cat grass and use the lower shelves for treats, toys, or even more greenery. You can roll it into sunny spots during the day or wheel it away when you’re cleaning or rearranging furniture.
This idea is especially great for multi-cat households where not everyone shares nicely. One cart = one safe zone. Plus it’s super renter-friendly—no mounting, no drilling, just a cute little cat jungle on wheels.
10. Repurposed Cat Litter Box Planter
Okay hear me out—this one sounds weird, but it’s genius. If you’ve got an unused or old enclosed litter box (cleaned thoroughly of course), you can repurpose it into a hidden grass planter. Remove the swinging flap, line the bottom with a waterproof tray, and fill with grass or herbs. Your cat gets the fun of ducking into a cozy private space, and you get a surprisingly tidy and out-of-sight greenery zone.
It’s a quirky option, but if you’re low on shelf space or want to upcycle something instead of tossing it, this is a fun little project. Paint the outside or wrap it in peel-and-stick contact paper for a softer look.
Final Thoughts
Living in the city with a curious (and slightly dramatic) cat doesn’t mean you have to give up on nature. Whether you’ve got one sunny windowsill or an entire cat wall setup, these cat grass box ideas let you bring a little calm, green energy into your space—and your cat’s world.
They’re not just for chewing either. These designs give your pet something to explore, a spot to nap next to, or just a patch of their own that says: this house isn’t just for the humans.
And if your cat ends up sitting in the grass instead of eating it? That’s fine too. It’s still a vibe.