Your cat may enjoy your stairs, but its own will take it where you can't.
Cats love to be higher than their people and especially to be higher than other cats. Outside, their climbing prowess will take them to prey and positions that amaze observers. Inside cats love to jump and climb too, and may alarm you by looking down from the window at the peak of your cathedral ceiling. As they grow older, however, climbing even to lesser heights may be more difficult because of arthritis, obesity and changes in their senses. You can come to their aid by building steps, but be prepared to adjust when you see how the cats respond to your work.
Instructions
Utilitarian Steps
1. Cut two planks to the height of your bed or other area where your cat is allowed but has difficulty reaching because of age or disability. Set them perpendicular to each other and fasten the ends together in an "L" shape.
2. Cut a plank to complete a right triangle from one end of the "L" to the other. Cut four small lengths of lath. Lay the "L" down on one side. Fit the third plank between the ends. At each of the two corners formed by the third plank and one end of the "L," drive screws through a piece of lath into the sides of the planks to connect them. Turn over the triangle of wood and repeat the process on both ends of the third plank.
3. Divide the height of the upright plank into a multiple of approximately 6 inches. Cut twice that number of steps. Fasten them together at right angles, as risers and treads. Set the steps on the angular piece and screw the top step to the upright plank. Fasten the bottom riser to the horizontal plank, or use pieces of lath to fasten it to the diagonal.
4. Cut one plank 2 feet long and another piece 1 foot long. Center the long one under the upper end of the steps and the shorter one under the lower end and screw them in place to keep the steps from tipping over. Paint the steps and, for kitty's comfort, glue carpet to the horizontal steps.
Play Steps
5. Cut 6-inch-deep treads and risers to cover the horizontal and vertical distances you have in mind.
6. Cut triangular trusses from 1-by-2 lumber - 3 pieces, each 6 inches long, one cut at a 45-degree angle on both ends - for each point where you plan to fasten the steps to a wall.
7. Cut an 8-inch-square landing for every point at which the steps will make a right-angle turn. Cut a double landing - 16 by 8 inches - or 2 squares and a riser, for each point where the steps will make a U-turn. Cut platforms where cats can rest at the high point and other points with good views.
8. Cut a plank to run as a diagonal under any unsupported run of steps more than 2 ft long. Cut dowels as posts under long runs or unsupported landings and turns.
9. Assemble and install the stairs according to plan, using wood screws. Paint as desired and glue down some carpet at least at strategic points such as platforms and landings.
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