One day your cat stops leaping onto the bed. Maybe she sits on the floor and stares up, or tries, misses and scrambles. Arthritis affects a large share of older cats, and jumping is usually the first thing to go. If you are looking for the best cat stairs for senior cats, our top pick is the Furhaven Steady Paws 3-Step Pet Stairs: soft, plush-covered steps that reach tall sofas and beds (listed at 22.5 inches high) without hard edges for stiff joints.
But the right steps depend on your cat and your furniture. A 26-inch-tall bed needs a different solution than a low couch, and a cat with severe arthritis may prefer one big, shallow step over several small ones. Below we compared seven cat steps and pet stairs based on their listed dimensions, materials and patterns in customer reviews, then added a buying guide on measuring, choosing stairs vs. a ramp, and training an older cat to use them.
Quick Comparison
| Cat Stairs | Best For | Height (listed) | Steps | Surface |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Furhaven Steady Paws | Best overall | 22.5" | 3 | Faux fur |
| Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair | High beds | 26" | L-shaped | Washable carpet |
| Pet Gear Easy Step II | Low sofas, deep landings | 6" per step | 2 | Washable carpet |
| EHEYCIGA Foam Stairs | Small, gentle rises | 18" | 4 | Foam, washable cover |
| Amazon Basics Foldable | Budget, foldable | 19.5" | Multi-step | Non-slip pads |
| Pawque Stairs + Scratcher | Cats who love to scratch | 19.5" | 3 | Boards + scratching post |
| Pet Gear Stramp | Severe arthritis, low chairs | 10" | 1 large | Washable carpet |
How We Picked Pet Stairs for Older Cats
We did not hands-on test these steps. Instead, we compared listed specs and owner feedback with an aging cat's body in mind:
- Low step rise. Each step should be a small, easy lift — roughly 4 to 6 inches works for most arthritic cats.
- Deep landings. Older cats like to place all four paws before the next move. Shallow ledges make them hesitate.
- Grip and stability. Carpet, plush or non-slip pads on top and rubber feet underneath, so the stairs do not slide on hardwood when a cat pushes off.
- The right total height. The top step should sit just below the surface your cat wants to reach.
- Easy cleaning. Seniors have more accidents and hairballs; removable, washable covers or treads matter.
1. Furhaven Steady Paws 3-Step Pet Stairs — Best Cat Stairs for Senior Cats Overall
The Furhaven Steady Paws stairs are covered in soft faux fur, so a cat with sore hips steps onto something warm and cushy rather than a hard edge. The 3-step version is listed at 17.7" deep x 15.75" wide x 22.5" high — tall enough for most sofas and many standard beds, with three fairly generous steps between floor and top.
Furhaven points out that the faux-fur cover wipes clean instead of soaking up moisture the way bare foam can, a real advantage with older cats who occasionally have accidents or bring up hairballs. Owners frequently mention that cautious seniors took to these quickly because the plush surface feels like a cat bed.
Downsides from reviews: the plush surface collects fur and needs regular lint-rolling, and very large cats may find the steps a little narrow side to side.
Key specs
- 3 steps, listed 17.7"D x 15.75"W x 22.5"H
- Soft faux-fur surface
- Wipe-clean cover (see care tag)
Who it's for: Most senior cats reaching a sofa or average-height bed.
Skip it if: Your bed is taller than about 24 inches — look at the Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair.
- Soft, inviting surface for sore joints
- Good height for sofas and beds
- Lightweight and easy to move
- Plush attracts cat hair
- Narrow for very big cats
2. Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair — Best Cat Steps for High Beds
Tall beds with thick mattresses and toppers are the hardest place for an older cat to reach. The Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair is listed at 26 inches high (37.5"D x 14"W overall), the tallest option in this guide, and uses an L-shaped layout that runs along the side of the bed instead of sticking straight out into the room. It can be set up for either side of the bed.
The treads are removable, machine-washable carpet, and rubber grippers on the bottom keep the stairs from creeping on hard floors. A hinged back panel opens to a storage compartment — handy for a spare blanket or cat supplies. It snaps together without tools and is listed for pets up to 75 pounds, so it feels very solid under even a big Maine Coon.
Reviewers' caveats: at 20 pounds and 37.5 inches long, it takes up real floor space, and it is overkill for a low bed or couch.
Key specs
- Listed 37.5"D x 14"W x 26"H, 20 lb
- L-shaped, works on either side of the bed
- Removable, washable carpet treads; rubber grippers
- Built-in storage; tool-free assembly
Who it's for: Senior cats who sleep on tall beds.
Skip it if: Your furniture is under about 20 inches high or floor space is tight.
- Tallest reach in this guide
- Very stable, non-slip base
- Washable carpet treads
- Storage compartment
- Large footprint
- Heavier to move
3. Pet Gear Easy Step II — Best for Low Sofas and Arthritic Cats
The Pet Gear Easy Step II is a two-step stair with exactly what arthritic cats need: a gentle 6-inch rise per step and deep landings (listed at 11.5 inches for the first step and 12.25 inches for the second). That means your cat can put all four paws down and rest before the next move.
Like the bigger Pet Gear model, it uses machine-washable carpet treads and rubber grippers, snaps together without tools, and is light enough to move from the couch to a window seat. It is listed for pets up to 150 pounds, so stability is not a concern for any cat.
The limitation is height: two 6-inch steps get your cat about a foot off the floor, so it is ideal for low sofas, armchairs and window ledges, or as a halfway step to a bed — not for tall mattresses.
Key specs
- 2 steps, 6" rise per step
- Deep landings: 11.5" and 12.25"
- Washable carpet; rubber grippers; no tools
Who it's for: Cats with stiff joints reaching lower furniture.
Skip it if: You need to reach a high bed.
- Low, gentle step height
- Extra-deep landings
- Portable and sturdy
- Limited total height
4. EHEYCIGA 4-Step Foam Pet Stairs (18") — Best Gentle Foam Steps
Foam stairs are popular for older cats because they are soft, quiet and impossible to bang a sore leg on. The EHEYCIGA 4-Step Pet Stairs split an 18-inch climb into four smaller steps, which keeps each lift short. It uses 30D high-density foam with a support board, a non-slip bottom and a removable, washable cover, and it comes in 3-, 4- and 5-step sizes if your furniture is lower or higher.
It is one of the most-reviewed pet stairs on Amazon, and many owners of senior cats and small dogs say it was the version their pet trusted first. Note that it ships compressed: EHEYCIGA says to allow 24 to 48 hours for the foam to fully expand before use.
Common complaints: the foam can soften over time with heavy use, and some cats knead or scratch the fabric cover.
Key specs
- 18" high, 4 steps (also sold in 3 and 5)
- 30D high-density foam with support board
- Removable, machine- or hand-washable cover
Who it's for: Small and medium seniors who want soft, short steps.
Skip it if: Your cat is a heavy scratcher or very large.
- Soft, quiet, lightweight
- Four short steps
- Washable cover; multiple sizes
- Foam may soften over time
- Needs a day or two to expand
5. Amazon Basics Foldable Pet Stairs — Best Budget Cat Stairs
The Amazon Basics Foldable Pet Stairs are a simple, affordable way to test whether your cat will use steps at all. They arrive fully assembled, measure 14.6" wide x 22.75" deep x 19.5" high, and fold flat when guests come over or when you travel.
Non-slip pads on each step help paws grip, and optional non-skid feet protect floors and keep the frame from sliding. They are recommended for pets under 110 pounds and are marketed specifically for small, senior and injured pets.
The trade-off is comfort: the steps are firmer and less cushioned than foam or plush options, and some owners add a small mat on top for timid cats.
Key specs
- Listed 14.6"W x 22.75"D x 19.5"H
- Folding frame, no assembly
- Non-slip step pads; optional non-skid feet
Who it's for: Budget-minded owners and anyone who needs stairs that fold away.
Skip it if: Your cat prefers soft surfaces.
- Affordable
- Folds flat
- Ready out of the box
- Firmer, less cushioned steps
6. Pawque Cat Stairs with Scratching Post — Best for Cats Who Love to Scratch
Cats love to stretch and scratch when they wake up, and older cats still benefit from that stretch. The Pawque Pet Steps with Scratching Post combine a 3-step, 19.5-inch-high stair with a built-in scratching post, so your cat gets a morning scratch right beside the bed.
It is built from 0.6-inch-thick particle board and listed to hold up to 150 pounds, so it does not wobble the way some lightweight foam steps can. It comes with a cleaning brush, and the parts can be configured three ways, including as a shorter 2-step setup for lower furniture.
Keep in mind that it requires assembly and is heavier than foam options. Some cats also need a few days before they trust the harder surface.
Key specs
- 3 steps, 19.5" high (reconfigurable)
- Built-in scratching post
- 0.6" particle board, listed up to 150 lb
Who it's for: Active seniors who still love to scratch.
Skip it if: You want something light to move between rooms.
- Stairs and scratcher in one
- Very sturdy
- Flexible configurations
- Assembly required
- Heavier than foam
7. Pet Gear Stramp — Best Single Step for Cats with Severe Arthritis
Some very old or arthritic cats struggle with multiple steps. The Pet Gear Stramp is a single, extra-large step (listed 22"L x 20"W x 10"H) with a teardrop shape that lets your cat approach from the left or right. That broad landing is a calm, halfway point between floor and a chair, low couch or window seat.
It has the same washable carpet tread and rubber grippers as other Pet Gear stairs and snaps together without tools. It is light and portable, so you can move it to wherever your cat naps that week.
The obvious limit: at 10 inches, it only helps with lower furniture or as a first step toward a taller stair setup.
Key specs
- Listed 22"L x 20"W x 10"H
- One large teardrop-shaped step
- Washable carpet; rubber grippers
Who it's for: Cats with severe arthritis or limited mobility.
Skip it if: Your cat needs to reach anything higher than a low chair.
- Huge, stable landing
- Approach from either side
- Light and portable
- Only 10" of height
Buying Guide: How to Choose Cat Stairs for an Older Cat
Signs your senior cat needs pet stairs
Cats hide pain well, so look for subtle clues: hesitating before jumping, jumping in two stages (floor to chair to bed), missing jumps, sleeping on the floor instead of their old favorite spots, or grooming less over the back and hips. Your vet can confirm arthritis and discuss pain relief; stairs are a comfort aid, not a treatment.
How to measure for cat steps for a bed or sofa
Measure from the floor to the top of the mattress or cushion. Choose stairs whose top step is the same height or 1 to 3 inches lower. Then divide the total height by the number of steps: rises around 4 to 6 inches are easiest for arthritic cats. Also check the landing depth — about 10 inches or more lets a cat stand with all four paws.
Is a ramp or stairs better for older cats?
Both can work. Stairs take up less floor space and suit most seniors who can still lift their legs a little. Ramps are better for cats with severe arthritis, hind-leg weakness or neurological issues, but they need a gentle angle, which means a long footprint. A big single step like the Pet Gear Stramp is a good middle ground. For dog-specific options, see our best dog stairs for senior dogs guide.
Foam vs. plastic vs. wood
Foam is soft and quiet but can compress over time. Plastic frames with carpet treads (like Pet Gear) are durable and easy to clean. Wood or particle board is the most stable but heaviest. Plush or carpeted tops give the best grip for older paws.
How to get an older cat to use stairs
- Place the stairs right against the furniture so there is no gap.
- Put treats or catnip on each step, starting from the bottom.
- Add a familiar blanket that smells like your cat.
- Lift your cat onto the top step a few times so they learn the route down.
- Be patient — some cats take a week or two.
Make the rest of the home senior-friendly
Stairs work best as part of a bigger plan: a warm, supportive bed (see our best heated cat beds for senior cats), and a low-entry litter box (our best litter boxes for senior cats guide covers this), plus rugs on slippery floors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a ramp or stairs better for older cats?
Stairs suit most senior cats and take up less space. A ramp is better for cats with severe arthritis or hind-leg weakness, as long as it has a gentle slope and a grippy surface.
Do senior cats need stairs?
Not every senior cat needs stairs, but many older cats with arthritis benefit from them. If your cat hesitates, jumps in stages or stops using favorite high spots, stairs can reduce strain on sore joints.
How high should cat stairs be?
The top step should be level with, or a little lower than, the surface your cat wants to reach. Individual steps of about 4 to 6 inches are easiest for older cats.
How do I get my old cat to use pet stairs?
Place the stairs flush against the furniture, use treats or catnip on each step, add a familiar blanket, and gently guide your cat. Most cats learn within a week or two.
Is climbing stairs good for cats?
Gentle stair climbing keeps older cats active and helps maintain muscle, which supports their joints. It is the high-impact jumps up and down that tend to hurt arthritic cats most.
How do I keep an elderly cat comfortable?
Provide warm, padded beds, easy access to favorite spots with steps or ramps, a low-entry litter box, regular vet checkups and food and water that are easy to reach.
The Bottom Line
For most older cats, the Furhaven Steady Paws 3-Step Stairs are the best cat stairs for senior cats: soft, inviting and tall enough for most sofas and beds. For a tall bed, go with the Pet Gear Easy Step Bed Stair; for low furniture and stiff joints, the Pet Gear Easy Step II has the gentlest rise and deepest landings. On a budget, the Amazon Basics foldable stairs are a smart first try.
Measure your furniture, pick a step height your cat can manage, and give them time to learn. A small set of stairs can give an older cat back the sunny window or warm bed they love.
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