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.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Momma Cat Is Very Thin! (May 18, 2026)

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

The Cat Biting Mistakes Most Owners Make (And What Works Instead)

Cat bites sent more than 400,000 people to emergency rooms in the US each year.1 Not scratches. Bites. And the reason they’re so...

Do Cats Cause Schizophrenia? Scientists Find a Link – Here’s What It Means

Being a fierce advocate (and occasional recipient of) mental health support and awareness, the term ‘crazy’ is not one I like to fling...

One in 100 Cats Gets Diabetes – Here’s How to Catch It Early

One in every 100 cats develops diabetes.1 That’s not a rare, unlucky condition reserved for cats with obvious health problems. It’s common enough...

More related

11 Vet-Approved Cat Heart Facts: How Feline Hearts Compare to Ours

The size of a cat’s heart is, naturally, much smaller than that of a human, but it is just as important. It pumps...

Can Cats Be Allergic to Catnip? Feline Facts & Alternatives (Vet-Reviewed Info)

So, your cat had some catnip and is now acting weird. Should you be worried? Well, you’re in luck because in most cases,...

11 Long Nosed Cat Breeds (With Info & Pictures)

According to The International Cat Association (TICA), there are over 70 standardized cat breeds.1 Each of these breeds brings something unique to the...

How to Clean a Cat Litter Mat: 3 Simple Steps & Quick Options

As cat owners, we do all we can to keep our feline family member’s bathroom area clean. If we don’t, we deal with...

Keep reading

Why Do Cats Stay Up All Night? Vet-Verified Behavior

Cats follow a different sleep cycle than humans and may keep you up at night with their activities. Cats are naturally more active during the early morning and evening because they are crepuscular. That said, you may face the issue...

tabby cat at night

What Is a Cat Kiss? Feline Affection Explained

Scientists have come far in understanding cat body language, but there is still a lot we don’t know. We cannot know what goes on inside a cat’s head. They don’t exactly talk, which means we typically have to use roundabout...

burmese cat kissing womans nose

Signs an Older Cat is in Pain: 8 Vet-Reviewed Indications

As the years have rolled on, you’ve probably seen your cat’s behavior change. They start off as kittens with tons of energy, running and catching anything that moves, to a peaceful, mature cat that likes to nap in any patch...

Old tabby cat sitting on the sofa

Can Cats Eat Ferret Food? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts

The latest figures from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) estimate that 326,000 American households include at least one ferret.1 Many families have more than one pet, which may lead you to ask: Can cats eat ferret food? While felines...

Can Cats Eat Ferret Food

My Cat Doesn’t Chew His Food: Vet-Reviewed Concerns & FAQ

While it’s important for humans to thoroughly chew our food before swallowing, for many other mammals—cats included—this is not usually the case. Humans eat a wide variety of different foods, from tough plants, seeds, and nuts that need to be...

cat after eating food from a plate

Why Does My Cat Suck on My Fingers? 3 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Cat parents understand that felines are peculiar creatures who sometimes engage in odd behaviors, such as napping in tight spaces, head-bumping you, and chewing or suckling on bizarre objects, such as blankets and towels. Cat suckling is generally harmless and...

grey cat sucking finger

Why Do Cats Invade Your Personal Space? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

After thousands of years of domestication, it’s surprising that cats still haven’t adopted any social mores that direct their human owners. They’ll knock plants over without a second thought, scratch up furniture and rugs, or pee on the carpet if...

cat-rubbing-against-owner

Why Do Cats Like Feet? 8 Interesting Reasons

Cats can be quite quirky, often making toys out of the most ordinary objects that they can find. One mundane thing that cats seemingly love to sniff, rub against, and play with is the feet of humans. Some cats seemingly...

cat smells, lick feet and toes in bed

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.