How do I build something for my CH cat?

Joy Wright
by Joy Wright

I have a kitten with a pretty severe case of CH. I want to allow her access to down stairs. We built a ramp , however, it proved to be too steep. We tried "speed bumps", nope, not a good idea. We are currently looking into making it a gradual slope with small platforms between. Any suggestions?

  3 answers
  • Michelle Leslie Michelle Leslie on Nov 20, 2018

    Aaaaw Joy, I looked to see if I could find anything for you but didn't have much luck. I did however find this lovely blog that's all about CH Cats - https://lifewithchcats.com/ In 2011 she did a poll about CH cats and stairs (you can find the results here - https://lifewithchcats.com/2011/12/20/a-follow-up-ch-cats-and-stairs/ ) Maybe you can get some ideas or even connect with other CH cat owners that could help out and give suggestions?

    • See 2 previous
    • Joy Wright Joy Wright on Dec 03, 2018

      Thank you so much! All of my fur babies add so much to my life!

  • Tonya Tonya on Nov 20, 2018

    Hi Joy,

    And first I would like to say thank you for including a CH in your family.

    I have never had one myself, but had a friend that did. Also I have had animals that have had other medical problems to where they could not navigate stairs.

    It sounds like with the ramp being too steep that perhaps your idea of more gradual ramps at less of an angle with platforms in between would be great. The only problem I can see is that the human members of your family presumably will have to use the stairs as well. You could get around this issue by putting up a short vertical wall separating The ramps area from the human area.

    I did a Google search and I particularly liked “Joe’s Homemade Cat Ramp,” that I found at https://lifewithchcats.com/tag/ramp/

    Although he designed it for the cat to reach the bed, I think his design could easily be adjusted to meet your needs on your stairs.

    Also, if you want to save yourself some work in the building process, there are so many ramps available commercially that are adjustable as to their angle, etc.

    Best of luck, and thanks again for keeping your kitty’s best interests at heart!


    • See 2 previous
    • Joy Wright Joy Wright on Dec 03, 2018

      Thanks much!

  • I have nothing to add, these ladies have you covered. Our newest rescue dog has this condition too. Luckily he is smallish, 30 pounds, and we carry him up to bed every night and back down every day. Stairs are not easy to modify in our house without a major remodel. He seems to be doing fine as long as he is either up or down.


    Thanks for being such a wonderful, caring and pro active pet parent. It takes a special person to care for these special animals. 😍