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How to build a grass bed for a cat?

Hello!

I would like some idea on how I go about creating a bed of grass as seen the pictures below. Is there a shallow planter tray that exists in the store? Or should I look into building on my own. Recommendations for soil suitable for pets would be appreciated too. Thank you!

Screenshot 2025-10-21 at 4.07.48 pm.png Screenshot 2025-10-21 at 4.06.13 pm.png

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Comments

dreeped

I've just found something that could work, https://www.bunnings.com.au/respect-70cm-grey-green-earth-tapered-low-bowl-planter_p0360560
Not sure if the drainage hole will be big enough.

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58424#Comment_58424

Hello @dreeped

The RESPECT 70cm Grey Green Earth Tapered Low Bowl Planter should work nicely as a container grass bed for your cat. If you are worried that there are not enough drain holes adding a few more should not be a problem. If you can tell us what material the bowl is made of, we can then suggest the right drill bit for the job.

For a larger bed, it will be necessary to create a timber frame using 200 x 50mm Sleeper H4 Sienna MicroPro 2.4m and held together using Buildex® 14G x 100mm Class 4 Bugle Batten Screws - 25 pack. Once the frame is complete it's then filled with garden soil before putting on Jimboomba Turf Sir Grange 0.70m2 Slab.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

dreeped

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/91581#Comment_91581

Should I use lawn soil instead of garden soil?

I’d like to stick to organic

https://www.bunnings.com.au/scotts-lawn-builder-25l-organic-lawn-soil-topdress-underlay_p3010199?srsltid=AfmBOorDfGqr6WFwzF0Z6__RocrBXwdlaSfUkhuhMEll_lQyLigxciQQ

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/111782#Comment_111782

Hi @dreeped,

That would be perfectly fine, especially if you’d like to stick with organic products. Lawn soil like the one you’ve linked is suitable for growing grass, and its organic composition makes it a great choice for a pet-friendly project like a cat grass bed. It will provide good drainage and nutrients for the grass to thrive while keeping things natural and safe for your cat.

Mitchell

dreeped

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/123360#Comment_123360

Thank you!
Could you please provide the recommended drill bit to add holes in this pot. I assume it’s made from plastic

https://www.bunnings.com.au/respect-70cm-grey-green-earth-tapered-low-bowl-planter_p0360560

Also please recommend a drill bit for light cement pot.

The pot will be situated on the balcony and I’m planning on elevating it slightly to help the water drain with pieces of timber or brick. Any ideas on how to catch the water? Or should I lean towards adding a hose in the soil, make a hole on the side of the pot for the hose to come out?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130967#Comment_130967

For drilling into both the planter and a light cement pot @dreeped, I’d recommend using a multi-material drill bit on the non-hammer function of your drill. This will allow you to safely make holes in either material without cracking or damaging the pot.

For managing the water, adding a small hose through a hole in the side of the pot is usually the best option, as it allows the water to be diverted to a nearby garden or drainage area. If you prefer to catch the water, you could also position a container underneath or even make a side hole so it drains directly into a smaller pot or tray. Elevating the planter slightly on timber or bricks, as you mentioned, will also help with drainage and airflow.

Mitchell

dreeped

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135633#Comment_135633

Thanks for the advice!

I have decided to go with this timber planter box. I’ll chop the legs down to the desired height.

Is it okay to use lawn soil under the buffalo turf in this planter box? Or should I stick to potting mix (organic preferred).

Also is it better to put a layer of rocks first (for filling and drainage), then gardening mesh, soil and then the turf?
Is Sir Walter Buffalo turf available at Bunnings?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138807#Comment_138807

Having a layer of rocks at the bottom with garden mesh on top and then adding the soil and turf is a sensible setup @dreeped. It’ll help with drainage and prevent the soil from compacting too much at the base.

Lawn soil is a better choice than potting mix for under turf, as it’s designed for grass root systems and provides the right structure for drainage and moisture retention. Potting mix is typically too light and can dry out too quickly for turf.

Sir Walter Buffalo turf is available at most Bunnings stores through spring/summer, though availability can vary by location, so it’s best to give your local store a quick call before heading in.

Mitchell

dreeped

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140923#Comment_140923

Thanks for the reassurance

dreeped

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138807#Comment_138807

I've put this planter box together and noticed the base isn't solid for drainage purposes. There's a gap in the middle that runs the full length of the planter box and the edge isn't flushed. Should I consider sealing the base or add a waterproof liner? I'll need to reconsider a different drainage solution as I don't want the water to drip all over my balcony. Your suggestions would be appreciated. Note I will be chopping the legs down so the box is closer to the floor.

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140966#Comment_140966

Hi @dreeped,

You could line the planter base and sides with GRUNT 2 x 5m Black 70um Multi Use Plastic Film to prevent it from leaking, but as you've mentioned, you would still need to find a way to handle the drainage.

Would some purposefully placed drainage holes with a saucer beneath be an option? You would need to leave some clearance when chopping down the legs, but this seems like the simplest option to me.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

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