Even though we all wish our lovely kittens could stay small, playful, and energetic forever, they eventually grow older. And when they do, they aren’t as healthy and lively as they were during kittenhood.
Adult and senior cats often suffer from joint and hip problems.
You might not know this, but something as simple as jumping onto your couch can injure your pet. The popular misconception that cats always land on their feet is just that – a misconception.
What’s more, kittens are prone to injuring themselves too. Their curiosity and need to explore everything makes them careless. As such, they can accidentally get a sprained limb or something worse from performing a seemingly harmless jump.
Today I want to talk about how these injuries can be prevented and why you need to pay attention to the possibilities of such injuries.
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There are all kinds of pet steps and stairs for cats available on the market. These are designed to help felines of all breeds and ages, especially the ones suffering from hip dysplasia and similar health issues such as arthritis and other joint problems. Pet steps and stairs help your kitty’s movements and ease muscular strain. But do you really need them?
Why Do You Need Pet Steps Or Stairs? Here’s Why
Below, you’ll find the reasons for the most common injuries in indoor cats, which will help you understand the importance of pet stairs.
CURIOSITY
Cats are curious, adventurous, and whimsical by nature. Once they decide they want to explore, there’s no stopping them. If your kitty climbs to some unreachable spot, it may not be able to get down easily. And that’s how injuries happen.
When curiosity strikes, the cat doesn’t consider what it will take to make the long jump back down to the ground. Pet stairs make jumping up and down easier, by lessening the distances and preventing heavy impacts from long jumps.
Pet stairs ensure that if your kitty is feeling particularly curious about something, it has a safe ladder to help it get onto a high bed, perch, couch, etc.
STILL GROWING
Young kittens’ bodies aren’t fully developed, so they can easily injure themselves while trying to reach a higher furniture piece.
Unless you want your young, healthy pet to suffer a sprain, fracture, or something worse from an early age, you’ll need to make sure your home is a safe place for it. Pet stairs are not only safe but comfortable. Furthermore, they can offer you some peace of mind when leaving young kittens home alone.
OBESITY
Similar to overweight human beings, obese cats find it harder to move around. Each jump puts much more strain on their bones and muscles than you might think.
Obese furballs can take advantage of pet steps and stairs, regardless of how lazy or active they’re feeling. What’s more, you can also use the stairs for exercise.
OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS
As mentioned before, many cats suffer from hip and joint problems. These health conditions can lead to severe injuries whenever your kitty is trying to jump onto your bed or couch. The same goes for when it’s trying to jump back on the ground.
Pet stairs offer a safer way for your cat to get around. They can literally prolong your pet’s life and ease its pain!
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Reviewing The Best Pet Steps And Stairs For Cats
Now that we’ve covered the basics as to why you need the steps, I want to share my top picks for the best cat stairs available on the market.
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EDITOR’S CHOICE
#1. Frisco Pet Steps
- Very sturdy
- Extremely durable
- Faux fleece fabric
- Two height sizes – 18.5 inches and 24.5 inches (extra step)
What I really love about Frisco’s pet stairs is their sturdy frame.
Made mostly out of a solid wood frame (the tube-like structures are durable cardboard), this product is ideal for small and large kitties alike. The wood is fully covered with plush fabric, which makes the stairs enjoyable and safe for your fluffy friend whenever it’s using them. I also like the neutral colors of these stairs, which are a great fit for any home décor style.
Furthermore, the solid wood base is extremely durable. No need to replace these anytime soon after purchasing!
They come in two sizes, 18.5 or 24.5 inches in height. The taller one has one extra step, so you’ve got some versatility when it comes to choosing the perfect set.
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#2. Zinus Steps
- High-density foam interior
- Comes in 5 sizes ranging from 13″ tall to 24″ tall
- Removebable and washable cover
Another set of pet steps I’m quite fond of is Zinus’.
This set is an affordable option. Though it’s not made out of a sturdy wood frame, the product’s highly dense foam interior, covered with suede upholstery, makes it both safe and strong for your kitty.
The foam makes the steps extremely lightweight so you can easily carry them from one room to another. Moreover, you can remove the upholstery to wash it as needed. And the steps come in five different sizes!
If you’re looking for a cheaper yet durable set of steps, these are definitely a must-have!
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#3. Best Pet Supplies Stairs
- 3, 4, or 5 step designs from 13.5″ to 22.5″ high
- Durable
- High-quality foam
- Non-slip bottom padding
I absolutely love their designs. These guys know how to cater to every pet owner’s needs when it comes to matching any home décor style.
The prints are adorable, and the steps are also durable. Made out of high-quality foam, these steps can support the largest kitties’ weight. The soft foam base serves as an extra cushion to soften your pet’s landing and it also comes with non-slip padding on the bottom to prevent skidding.
Happily, they offer 3 height options, each including one more stair than the last size.
The 3 step stairs are 13.5 inches tall, the 4 step stairs are 19 inches tall, and the 5 step stairs are 22.5 inches tall. Something to fit every household!
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#4. Solvit Foldable Wooden Stairs
- Solid, durable construction
- Folds and stores easily
- Carpet-covered stairs to prevent slipping
Last but not least on my list of the best pet steps and stairs is the Solvit foldable stair ramp.
Made entirely of wood, this product is solid and sturdy.
It’s great for large and elderly kitties, as well as for younger ones. Measuring up to 30 inches (76 centimeters) in height, it provides easy access to any high surface. One of the best things about this ramp is that it also has side rails for extra security for your feline pal.
I also love that it’s foldable, which makes it easy for storage and suitable for traveling purposes.
However, one serious downside is that this stair ramp doesn’t have any type of soft cover. You can get some sort of upholstery or make your own, but it would have been purr-fect if it came with its own soft cover.
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Even if you own a young, athletic, and energetic feline, such as an Oriental Shorthair, I’d still recommend getting pet steps or stairs for your kitty.
Sometimes even the best jumpers out there can get carried away and injure themselves. Cat steps are just as suitable for healthy pets as they are for kitties suffering from hip and joint problems. They offer safety for your fluffy friend and peace of mind for you and the rest of the people residing in your household.
