Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

5 DIY Cat Stairs and Ramps (With Pictures)

Share

cat going down the ramp

Sometimes, your cat needs a little helping hand. Whether they’ve reached their senior years and need help getting up a steep flight of stairs, their litter box access is above ground level, or you want to provide a ramp up to furniture to stop them from digging their claws in the carpet when they jump, there are various DIY ramps and stairs that you can build.

We have included details of five projects that you can start. A few plans are for dog ramps and stairs, but they serve the same purpose—and you don’t have to tell your cat.

divider 3 paws

The 5 DIY Cat Ramps & Stairs

1. Cat Ramp Ladder Thingy

DIY Cat Ramp Ladder Thingy
Image Credit: Autodesk Instructables

The cat ramp ladder “thingy” is used to offer access to an upstairs cat door. This means you can allow your cat easy entrance and access to the property without compromising the security of your home.

The ramp uses rough wood, and since it is going to be used outdoors, it will need proper weatherproof treatment to ensure that it lasts.


2. Adjustable Dog Ramp

DIY Adjustable Dog Ramp
Image Credit: HGTV

This adjustable dog ramp can be used by cats, too. It extends from 16 to 30 inches, and while the original poster says that it is convenient for getting your dog up into and down from a car, it is more likely that a senior cat will use it to get on and off the sofa or other furniture.


3. Indoor Pet Ramp

DIY INDOOR PET RAMP
Image Credit: My Repurposed Life

This indoor pet ramp is hinged and offers access to a sofa. It is kept firmly in place because the top layer of the stairs sits under the sofa cushion. You can add carpet to make it more comfortable for your cat to climb, and the hinge allows it to be adjusted perfectly to the height of the sofa base without having to take and use precise measurements.


4. DIY Dog Ramp

DIY DOG RAMP
Image Credit: Kol’s Notes

This is a dog ramp design that could easily be used for cats. Judging by the height of the design, it offers easy and stress-free access to a bed base. If you like having your cat sleeping with you but they can’t make the ascent to the top of the bed anymore, this is the solution.


5. DIY Dog Ramp for Bedroom

DIY Dog Ramp for Bedroom
Image Credit: Home Talk

This is a ramp designed for dogs but equally suitable for cats. It has a little balustrade on the side and a carpet to offer texture and safer climbing, and it runs to the height of the bed.

It is designed to run alongside the bed, which means that it can be a long ramp with a shallow gradient that is easy to climb and won’t protrude out into the room.

divider 2 cats

Conclusion

Cat stairs and ramps provide an effective and simple way for your cat to get on top of high levels or to get first-floor access. They are designed to be convenient, and a ramp really only takes two pieces of wood, although additional pieces can be used for increased stability and to improve the look of the design.

Next on your reading list:


Featured Image Credit: SariMe, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.




How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Catster's Digital Magazine is Back!

Vet-approved health & behavior advice

Real cat stories & community features

Six Legs Are Better Than Three – How A Tripod Dog and Kitten Found Friendship Through Recovery

Sometimes the most meaningful friendships begin in the most unexpected places. At a Maryland veterinary hospital operated by Last Chance Animal Rescue, two...

The Original Space Invaders – Why Zero Respect for Personal Boundaries Is a Good Thing

Cats have a reputation for being independent, and in many ways they are. But anyone who has tried to work at a laptop...

How Cats Are Helping to Cure Cancer

When most people think about medical breakthroughs, they picture scientists in laboratories and clinical trials involving human patients. Few would imagine that the...

Ask Dr. Paola – My Cat Loves Eating Grass, But It Makes Her Vomit! (June 29, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

Why Do Cats Like Laundry Baskets So Much? Vet-Verified Reasons & Safety Tips

Finding your cat in a laundry basket isn’t an uncommon experience for cat owners. But why do cats like laundry baskets so much?...

Pneumonia in Cats: Causes, Signs & Care (Vet-Approved Explanation)

Cats rely on healthy lungs to breathe normally, just as humans do. Any health condition that impacts the lungs’ ability to function is...

Can Cats Eat Turkey Bacon? Vet-Approved Risks & FAQ

Turkey and bacon are two legitimate meats in their own right, and each of these meats is popular with both humans and pets...

Chartreux vs. British Shorthair: The Differences (With Info & Pictures)

Looking at photos of Chartreux and British Shorthairs cats can feel like you’re seeing double. Both breeds are often confused for one another,...

Keep reading

Why Is My Cat Drinking a Lot of Water Suddenly? 6 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cats, due to their nature and small size, don’t drink large amounts of water. The typical, healthy house cat will drink about 5 ounces of water daily, just over half a cup. Many cats drink less water, however, depending on...

cat drinking water

Can Cats Get Bitten by Mosquitos? Vet-Reviewed Risks & Preventions

Pesky mosquitos can ruin a peaceful summer evening. As you swat and scratch your way through a swarm of these pesky insects, you might envy your pets’ protective fur coats. But is your kitty truly safe, or can cats get...

Macro photo of a mosquito on a leaf

Fear-Free Vet: Vet-Verified Advantages, Disadvantages & FAQ

Vet visits have always been instrumental in promoting our pets’ health and longevity. But for most cats, the experience can be more stressful than anything. The strange setting and unwanted interactions with unfamiliar people make a perfect formula for anxiety,...

vet holding a cat

Can Cats Drink Coconut Water? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Coconut water is the clear liquid that is found inside young coconuts. It is packed with electrolytes and is known to offer benefits to humans when consumed. But can cats have coconut water? Coconut water is not toxic to cats...

Turkish Van Cat Health Problems: 8 Vet-Reviewed Issues

The Turkish Van cat breed is relatively healthy. These beautiful yet rare cats are still susceptible to many of the same health issues that cats of any other breed are, though. Today we’re going to provide information about some of...

Catster_Health Problems of Turkish Van

How Do Cats Choose Their Favorite Person? 5 Interesting Factors (Vet-Reviewed)

Anyone who’s ever lived with a cat and a few other people has probably witnessed the feline tendency to develop a particularly strong bond with one specific individual. It happens in families, and among friends—anywhere there are several humans and...

cat loving his owner

5 Egyptian Mau Health Problems to Watch Out For

Egyptian Maus share a long history with humans, as their name would suggest, but their connection to ancient Egyptian cats has not been entirely confirmed. They’re known for being shy and cautious around strangers but outgoing, playful, and fearless when...

Catster_Health Problems of Egyptian Mau

How to Stimulate Your Cat’s Milk Production: 6 Vet-Approved Solutions

Nursing is a beautiful time for a new mother, and as your cat’s owner, you’ll find that it’s a wonderful thing to witness and be a part of. It can be stressful, though, and if you notice that your cat...

tabby mother cat feeding her kittens

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.