Every pet owner wants the best for their pet, to protect them and keep them from getting hurt. When you have a cat, that means providing them with a safe way to get up to the high places that they love to go, but can’t always quite get there. Whether you have a kitten who has just joined your family and isn’t big enough to make a leap or you have an older cat with health issues that can no longer safely jump where he wants to go, it’s time to consider getting stairs for your cat.
We reviewed dozens of cat stairs and steps to identify the best of the best. We considered the size of each unit, how tall it was and how much weight it could hold. We considered whether they were meant for outside, some inside, and or if they could go wherever you need them. Additionally, we thought a lot about how comfortable it would be for your cat to climb several times each day. Finally, we thought about the stability of the unit because the safety of your cat is the most important thing.
Our choice for best cat stairs is the Aeromark International Armarkat Pet Steps. It stood out because of the wide stairs that allow the cat to both climb and perch if he wants. We also loved the soft covering, the height of the structure, and its stability.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Stairs and Steps
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall Cat Stairs and Steps | Aeromark International Armarkeat Pet Steps | 4.8 |
| Best Wall-Mounted Cat Stairs and Steps | CatastrophiCreations Floating Cat Steps | 4.8 |
| Best Budget Cat Stairs and Steps | Pet Gear Easy Step Deluxe Cat Stairs | 4.1 |
| Best Step Stool Cat Stairs and Steps | Pet Gear Stair and Ramp Combination | 4.5 |
| Best Tall Cat Stairs and Steps | PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs | 4.3 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Best Cat Stairs and Steps Overall: Aeromark International Armarkat Pet Steps
The Aeromark International Armarkat Pet Steps were a clear winner for the best cat stairs and steps. They have so many features that we were looking for in the best steps. These are really durable and sturdy, made of pressed wood and covered with neutral-colored fleece fabric. They are 25″ high, which is the height of many of the taller sets of stairs that we profiled. That means that your cat can reach some of the higher parts of your home safely and easily using these stairs.
We love that this is a dual-purpose unit where your cat can both perch and climb. Cats love to lounge and stretch. These steps are constructed to give them easy access to heights they can no longer easily reach, but also lets them take a quick cat nap on any of the stairs. The fleece covering keeps it very comfortable on your cat’s joints and makes it even more inviting to rest upon. It’s designed to hold animals under 70 pounds, so even if you have more than one cat, they can easily be on this structure together.
Finally, the overall look of these steps is very clean. From the color to the lines, the whole thing would easily complement your home’s decor no matter where you put it. When you put all of these elements together and combine it with a six-month warranty on all parts (and a limited warranty after those first six months), it makes for a functional piece that meets all the different needs of your cat in one simple structure.
Aeromark International Armarkat Pet Steps Key Features:
- Great height
- Soft covering
- Wide steps
Best Wall-Mounted Cat Stairs and Steps: CatastrophiCreations Floating Cat Steps
When you’re looking for wall-mounted cat steps, you might struggle to find some that are more unique to look at or more fun for your cat to play on than the CatastrophiCreations Floating Cat Steps. Starting with the function, these steps are a challenge to your cat. Instead of the flat ones you often see, these are round, requiring your cat to use balance and dexterity in order to perch on them. If you put several of these on one of your walls, your cat will have a great time pouncing from one step to another.
These steps are also covered in a rope that gives your cat a great surface to scratch and stretch and release some energy. A lot of other steps aren’t covered with this material, making these very functional in addition to the unique form. Each step is easily mounted on your wall with hardware that comes with the step when you purchase it. You can purchase one to use as a step or perch in a specific area of your home, or you can purchase several together and give your cat the opportunity to scamper between them.
There’s a lot to love about this product. Because they come as individual units, there’s a lot of potential with how you and your cat choose to use them. Any time you find something that is fun to look at and can be used in so many different ways, you’ve found a great product.
CatastrophiCreations Floating Cat Steps Key Features:
- Unique round shape
- Covered in scratching-post rope
- Easy to mount
Best Budget Cat Stairs and Steps: Pet Gear Easy Step Deluxe Cat Stairs
These wide and plush Pet Gear Easy Step Deluxe Cat Stairs are perfect for cats who struggle with joint issues or arthritis as they age. They are covered with a soft cotton cover that will cushion your cat’s body each time he climbs up or down. The cover is also removable and machine washable for easy cleaning, ensuring that you can keep it smelling nice and fresh no matter how many times your cat walks on it or lounges on it.
It’s easy to assemble these steps. They snap together quickly with no tools so that your cat can start using them immediately after you get them. The bottom is equipped with non-slip pads to ensure that your cat can safely climb on them without you worrying that the stairs are going to slip out from under him. The stairs can hold up to 75 pounds, so if you have more than one cat, they can easily both lounge or climb on these steps at the same time. Each individual stair is slightly inclined to give your cat an easier time when he climbs it.
We love that the depth of the stairs is almost 10 inches. Again, that leaves a lot of space for a cat to nap or even play a little, making this item functional for purposes beyond just climbing. You can’t beat getting all of these features at such a budget price.
Pet Gear Easy Step Deluxe Cat Stairs Key Features:
- Soft, machine-washable covering
- Inclined stairs
- Deep width on stairs
Best Step Stool Cat Stairs and Steps: Pet Gear Stair and Ramp Combination
Sometimes your pet only needs one step to get up onto a couch, your bed, or his favorite piece of furniture. In that case, look no further than the Pet Gear Stair and Ramp Combination. It’s 10 inches high at its highest spot and several inches lower at the other end. That lower height makes it easier for your cat to hop up on even as his body starts to age and it’s harder for him to jump onto things.
We love that it is also a ramp. Rather than having an extra step for your cat to labor up onto, with this piece he only has one step to get onto the Pet Gear Stair and then one more step to get to his destination. In addition to loving it for the lower height, we also love it for the inclining ramp. At 22″ long, it’s a great place for your cat to lie down on and rest if he wants. Since it holds up to 175 pounds, it can easily hold more than one cat – provided, of course, that the cats are willing to share.
Rubber grips on the bottom of this stair/ramp combination keep it from slipping out from under your cat, and the carpet square attached to the top is easily removed when you want to clean it. It’s also machine-washable. All in all, this is a great step stool for your cat to help him safely get where he wants to go.
Pet Gear Stair and Ramp Combination Key Features:
- Lower height
- Both a stair and a ramp
- Machine-washable carpet
Best Tall Cat Stairs and Steps: PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs
Sometimes cats need extra help to get to the taller spaces. Cats are generally stubborn and determined creatures, and if your cat has been used to getting to a particular spot in your home, she isn’t going to stop just because her body is slowing down. In that case, you need a taller set of stairs for your feline friend. We recommend the PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs for several different reasons.
It reaches up to two feet in height. That should be plenty tall enough to get your cat onto most couches and beds. The structure has non-slip pads at the bottom to keep it from slipping around, a feature that is especially important in a taller set of stairs. The stairs have built-in side rails to keep your pet from falling off, and the unit cleans easily with mild soap. These stairs can support up to 150 pounds, way more than what you’ll likely need, even if you have multiple cats. But the fact that they can hold so much is a testament to their durability and construction.
One more great feature of this set of stairs is that it’s foldable and easy to store. It weighs only five pounds so you can easily move it from room to room depending on where your cat spends the most time, or you can store it in a closet or under the couch when you have company over to visit. These stairs come fully assembled and ready to use as soon they’re in your home.
PetSafe Solvit PupSTEP Plus Pet Stairs Key Features:
- Stands two feet tall
- Easy to clean
- Folds and stores easily
Who Should Buy Cat Stairs and Steps
There are two groups of cat owners that should purchase stairs and steps for their pets. The first is people who own small cats. Consider the size of your cat vs. the height that the cat is trying to scale. If your cat isn’t big enough to jump onto the couch to be with you or isn’t big enough to get on the cat tree or window shelf without help, it’s time to get him some cat stairs. Cats tend to be persistent and stubborn. If they want to go somewhere, they’ll go there. You risk significant injury to your cat if he is repeatedly trying to reach the same obstacle and can’t get there. It’s possible he will fall and hurt himself. Stairs will save him from doing that.
The second group of cat owners who should buy stairs and steps is those with older cats who have arthritis or other joint issues. As cats age, they lose agility and can develop problems in their joints. Protect your cat and make it easy for him to safely get where he wants to go by providing steps to help him get there. As we mentioned, cats are stubborn and if he’s used to being able to get to a certain spot, he’ll keep trying no matter how much it hurts him. Again, stairs will prevent injury.
If you want a nice comfy place for your cat to rest once he’s finished climbing his stairs, then you may want to consider The Best Heated Cat Beds or The Best Cat Window Hammocks.
Important Features to Consider
Cat stairs and steps should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting stairs and steps for your cat:
- Correct height. If you buy a set of steps that isn’t tall enough to reach the cat’s desired perch or, conversely, is too tall and ends above the spot she wants to be, the cat may not use them. Be sure to measure the distance between the ground and the top of the place where your cat wants to be so you can be sure to purchase a set of stairs that fits the space.
- Made of appropriate material for the location. Where is your cat going to be using these stairs? If it’s outside, stick with a material that can get wet and handle temperature fluctuations without warping. If it’s inside, you have a variety of materials to choose from so you can choose the one that is best for your cat.
- Right covering. If your cat is using the stairs indoors, consider what type of material makes the most sense for your cat. Will your cat scratch wood that might give her splinters? Does she need stairs with posts that are covered in the rope so she can safely scratch them? If they’re carpeted, will she handle that okay or treat them like a litterbox? Choose the stairs with the coverage that is right for your cat and her habits.
- Stability. This one requires you to really know your cat. If you’re buying these steps because your cate is getting old and frail, you want to make sure you pick stairs that are wider to provide her with a solid structure and that have non-slip pads at the bottom so they don’t slide around. If you’re buying these because your cat needs to get to a higher space, check how stable the taller structures are before choosing the right one for your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my cat needs steps?
The right time to add a set of cat steps to your house is when your cat can’t safely get where he wants to go. If your cat has had a definitive diagnosis of arthritis or other joint problems, you’ll definitely want to get him a set of stairs. He could risk significant injury by continuing to jump around on compromised joints.
However, you don’t have to wait until your cat has an arthritis diagnosis to get him stairs. Keep a close eye on him to know if he needs steps for other reasons. That might be when your cat becomes a senior and his body can’t handle the jumping he used to do when he was a younger cat. That might be when he is a kitten. If you have other cats in the house and he sees where they’re going, he might struggle and potentially hurt himself to get there too unless he has stairs. It could be that you just have a small cat, and he needs assistance getting up on the couch to be with you. As soon as your cat isn’t safe getting to where he wants to go, you need stairs.
Are ramps or stairs better for cats?
Either is fine for your cat unless she is struggling with getting up and down the stairs. If she gets to that point, you should definitely consider switching to a ramp if you aren’t using one already.
At what age can kittens climb stairs?
Although your kitten may start to try and do it earlier, six weeks is generally when he is physiologically ready to climb the stairs. You could risk injury to him if you let him start to climb before his body is ready to do it. It will get harder to control your kitten the closer he gets to six weeks. He’ll naturally want to explore more and more. Keeping him contained in a kitten-proof space is best for his development.
Do cats get hurt when they fall?
It’s widely known that when they fall, cats land on their feet the majority of the time. However, that doesn’t mean that they won’t or can’t get injured. When they fall, they risk breaking a bone, dislocating a joint, pulling a muscle, or experiencing trauma to other parts of their body. If your cat falls, you should keep a close eye on her for two to three days afterward. If she shows any signs of injury (favoring a body part, lethargy, decreased appetite, showing pain when moving, difficulty breathing, etc.), you should immediately take her to the vet.
Other Cat Stairs and Steps We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat stairs and steps. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat stairs and steps list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Outdoor Cat Stairs and Steps
- Step Stool Cat Stairs and Steps
- Tall Cat Stairs and Steps
- Wall-Mounted Cat Stairs and Steps
Outdoor Cat Stairs and Steps
This set of four stairs can be used to help your cat get in and out of a car. It has a safety clip at the top to hook onto your vehicle to make sure that it doesn’t slip when your cat climbs on it.
Key Features:
- Foldable and compact
- Made of weatherproof material
- Safety strap
Cost:Â $60
These steps are foldable for easy and compact storage. They’re also lightweight so you can easily carry them anywhere you think your cat will need the stairs.
Key Features:
- Carpeted treads so your cat won’t slip
- Easy to store
- Lightweight for easy carrying
Cost:Â $57
Petmaker Folding Plastic Outdoor Pet Stairs
Non-slip pads on the stairs keep your cat from slipping, and the built-in side rails will keep him from falling off. These stairs are safe for your cat and also fold up for easy storage.
Key Features:
- Made of plastic so easy to clean
- Non-slip pads on stairs
- Easy to fold and carry
Cost:Â $37
The metal frame on these non-slip stairs is strong and durable so it will easily hold your cat while he climbs up and down. Anti-skid feet make this set of stairs extra secure.
Key Features:
- Anti-slip feet
- Waterproof material
- Non-slip surface on stairs
Cost:Â $55
Snagle Paw Upgraded Pet Stairs
These stairs are able to lay down much flatter than other stairs we reviewed. They’re almost like a ramp. That feature makes them a great choice for a smaller cat or one that is really struggling to climb stairs.
Key Features:
- Lightweight and easy to carry or transport
- Anti-slip feet
- Can stretch to almost flat
Step Stool Cat Stairs and Steps
This step stool is designed to be multi-functional. It is stuffed enough to give your cat a stable surface to walk on, but soft enough to also be a place they’ll love to lounge on.
Key Features:
- Safety zipper
- Multi-functional
- Comfortable and firm
Cost:Â $24
These stairs are firm and the non-slip pads on the bottom keep it from slipping. They are easily assembled by snapping pieces together, making a solid but lightweight set of steps for your cat.
Key Features:
- Non-slip pads
- Easy to clean
- Easy to assemble
Cost:Â $30
Roomnhome Foldable 2-Tier Pet Stairs
This step stool is dual-purpose. The two stairs give cats a little boost, but the bottom step also opens up to give you storage for all those cat toys and treats.
Key Features:
- Bonus storage space
- Padded stairs so they’re easy on cat’s joints
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Cost:Â $33
This step stool is made for small animals like cats. The whole things stands only 13″ tall and is lightweight so it’s easily movable wherever you need to put it.
Key Features:
- Foam interior
- Easy to assemble
- One-year warranty
Tall Cat Stairs and Steps
These tall wooden stairs can support up to 250 pounds, which is obviously a whole lot more than the average house cat weighs. But that just makes them a sturdy choice so you can be sure that your cat is safe when climbing them.
Key Features:
- Easy to assemble
- Carpet is detachable for easy cleaning
- Comes in four different colors
Cost:Â $70
The Furhaven pet stairs come in three different colors and two different heights, guaranteeing they’ll coordinate with your house and while helping your cat reach new heights safely.
Key Features:
- Carpet makes it easy on joints
- Easy to clean
- 90-day limited warranty
Cost:Â $37
This model comes with four or five stairs so you can choose the one that best fits your space and your cat’s needs. The unit is made of particle board so it’s sturdy but easy to carry around if you need to move it from room to room.
Key Features:
- Fleece fabric on stairs is soft for cats
- Tallest step is just over two feet tall
- Lightweight and portable
Cost:Â $46
PawHut Cat Scratching Post Pet Stairs
As we’ve said before, we love a dual-purpose piece. This one acts as both a scratching post and a solid set of stairs for your cat to climb or perch on. The stairs can hold up to 44 pounds, so not as much as other pieces, but still plenty strong enough to hold a housecat.
Key Features:
- Comes in two different colors
- Unit doubles as scratching post
- Soft fleece material easy on joints
Cost:Â $40
Pet Gear Easy Step IV Pet Stairs
This sturdy, lightweight set of stairs can accommodate cats up to 50 pounds. They’re easy to clean and easy to assemble, making them a great piece.
Key Features:
- Rubber anti-slip grips on bottom
- Easy snap-together setup
- Sturdy construction
Cost:Â $40
This set of stairs was particularly designed for older pets in mind. The thick MDF boards covered by the soft fleece is a great combination to protect the joints and legs of older cats.
Key Features:
- Soft fleece covering
- Easy assembly
- Stands 25″ high
Wall-Mounted Cat Stairs and Steps
CatastrophiCreations Wall-Mounted Cat Steps
Check out these elaborate wall-mounted steps. Your cat will love climbing them and the fabric is removable for simple cleaning. All of that and there’s also a hole in the top to climb through? This piece is truly unique and will keep your cat entertained while also helping her get safely from place to place.
Key Features:
- Removable fabric for easy cleaning
- Large space so cats stay entertained
- Hand-crafted design
Cost:Â $264
PetFusion Cat Activity Wall Shelves
The stairs on this wall-mounted set are truly unique. Their surfaces are made from a material that cats can scratch, one has a hole in it for fun climbing, and they’re in three different sizes so your cat will love trying out each one.
Key Features:
- Easy to assemble and install
- Cat scratch material on steps
- Pieces are separate so you can put them as close together or far apart on your wall as you’d like
Cost:Â $80
RayCC Cat Wall-Mounted Cat Steps
These stairs come in a set of three and can be put up close together or far apart, however you think they will work best for your cat. Steps are made out of either cloth or mesh material and can hold up to 22 pounds.
Key Features:
- Both fabric choices are double-layered for extra support
- Comes in a set of three
- Easy installation
Cost:Â $38
Scurrty Handcrafted Wall Cat Steps
This unique wall-mounted setup has a couple of steps for your cat with ramps in between the stairs. The ramps also act as a perch and an incentive to jump up onto the stairs.
Key Features:
- Three layers of wood equals sturdy construction
- Ramps made of linen
- Neutral color palette to complement your house
Cost:Â $35
Tardo Wall-Mounted Wooden Cat Steps
This set of three stairs is simple and classic in design. The wood is natural and durable, and it can hold up to 30 pounds on each step.
Key Features:
- Combine other pieces in the set to create a larger wall-climbing unit
- High-quality wood
- Extra sturdy when anchored to studs in wall
Cost:Â $70
