Which way to orient the stairs

[zoes]

Which way will my old cat prefer these steps to help her jump on the bed?

 

[Margot Lane]

My guess is B. Could you just experiment? I’d make sure the stairs can’t move around while she climbs— is it heavy enough? That’s such a very kind thing to do!

 

[zoes]

My guess is B. Could you just experiment? I’d make sure the stairs can’t move around while she climbs— is it heavy enough? That’s such a very kind thing to do!

Hmm both you and my bf said B. In my head a long jump seems easier than a straight up one, but I don’t know if it actually is. She can and will do either.

In position A it doesn’t move because it’s against the wall.

Positon B seems ok, but could be pushed back I suppose. So maybe A is better then, it will definitely be stable for her no matter how enthusiastically she jumps.

 

[FeebysOwner]

My sister recently got stairs just like those for her 12 pound dog. Resting the steps up against the item you want them to get up on is the best way. However, you might place a rug underneath for traction. We found it was moving a bit on a hard floor surface and that made the dog a bit too uncomfortable to want to use them. Although it may be different for a cat than a dog, 'teaching' them how to use the steps seemed to get the point across on their purpose.

 

[corvidae]

The idea for pet stairs is to use them in position B. I can see what you mean as far as the straight up vs. straight across jumps, but with the stairs in position B as intended she will not really be jumping from the top, just climbing up onto the bed. The jump over in A seems more awkward for her, and more likely to result in slips/falls as her mobility needs change with age.

edit to add: if she still has to jump with the stairs in position B, it may mean the stairs aren’t tall enough for this piece of furniture and you may want to look for a taller set of stairs/ramp to help make things easier for her.

 

[FeebysOwner]

it may mean the stairs aren’t tall enough for this piece of furniture

This is a very good point. In thinking about it more, the one my sister got that would reach a normal height bed was actually 4 steps rather than 3, and it does reach to the top of most furniture items like a couch and a bed.

 

[zoes]

edit to add: if she still has to jump with the stairs in position B, it may mean the stairs aren’t tall enough for this piece of furniture and you may want to look for a taller set of stairs/ramp to help make things easier for her.

I formerly had a setup that allowed her to step up to the height of the bed, but she would always end up jumping up from the lowest level. She does still seem to have the desire to jump and down and fair bit. It makes my heart stop every time!

 

[Caspers Human]

It depends on the way your cat likes to get up, onto the bed.

If the cat likes to walk up the steps then directly to the bed, Position B is the best choice.

If the cat likes to walk up the steps, climb onto the nightstand then cross over to reach the bed, Position A is better.

Our cat, Casper, jumps onto the nightstand at the other side of the bed, walks across the bed, across my pillow, turns and walks along the edge of the bed, steps over my feet then lays down, next to my stomach. Elliot, the little upstart, jumps onto the foot of the bed and walks ON ME to get to his spot on the bed!

How does your cat like to come up on the bed to sleep with you? That's where you should put the steps.

 

[iPappy]

I would pick one, try them out for a few days, then try the other position and see which seems easier for her. You'll notice less hesitation before the actual jump if she's comfortable with the positioning.
It looks like the steps in position B look very close to the wall. If worse comes to worse, could you take something like a piece of cardboard box and kind of jam it between the steps and the wall to hold it tighter in place? (I've had some pets with mobility issues, and I know sometimes you have to get a bit creative!)

 

[Caspers Human]

How about "Position C?"

Place the back of the stairs against the nightstand with the leading edge facing the camera. The right side of the stairs would be against the side of the bed.

Your cat could walk up the steps, pause on the landing then decide whether she wants to hop up to the bed or onto the nightstand and move on from there.

I agree with iPappy . Try a couple of different ways to see which one your cat likes best!

 

[iPappy]

Option C is a good one if the nightstand is the preferred "booster" step!

 

[neely]

Or you could put the stairs up against the foot of the bed so she can have more room if she wants to take a running start. That way there would be no wall to interfere or make her feel closed in.