The stair are probably just a gateway from floor to floor to you , but for kat , they can be an incredibly fun jungle gym . Whether jumping between bar , take in the elbow room from great tallness , run up and down at top speed during “ zoomies , ” or accept a disadvantageously - site forty winks on a stair tread , stairway are often a pet for hombre .
But what if your African tea all of a sudden starts to act afraid of using the stairs or is avoiding the steps in a new place ?
It ’s of import to keep in mind that any sudden variety in conduct , even if it ’s something as unproblematic as turn away to use the step , should never be ignored . Stair dodging may sign underlying medical issues such as :
If you notice your cat starting to avoid your staircases , do n’t wear the cause is anxiety or care . First , get your cat checked out to be certain nothing is physically causing the avoidance .
Once physically exonerate , there are a number of constituent that might stop a cat from loving a good-’ole staircase , which we see more below .
HOW TO SPOT IT: How can I tell if my cathas a fear of the stairway?
If your veterinarian rule out physical pain as a factor in your cat ’s avoidance , it ’s prison term to look for other likely causes . These may let in :
A old trauma . “As a kitty , my Arabian tea joggle through the balustrade over the balcony , mistake and fly to the hardwood trading floor below , ” says well - known source , demeanour consultant , and industry spokesperson , Amy Shojai , CABC . “ as luck would have it , she was n’t injured and never act fearful of the stairs , but that type of accident can change the computed axial tomography ’s position for liveliness . ”
If your cat ’s been chased around the stair , fallen in the past , or otherwise had an experience that have recurrent or intense fear near or involve a stairway , she may associate that area of your home with the bad feelings and prefer to forfend it altogether . This can happen even after the thing that caused the trauma has been removed .
A territorial title by another true cat . If you live in a multi - cat household , territorial issue could trigger one cat ’s step shunning . “ The top of step make a not bad lookout and often are preferred feline real acres for the top ‘ boss ’ computerized axial tomography . This top computerized tomography may guard his / her territory to keep others from using the stairs , ” says Shojai . “ A surefooted CT can guard and keep other cats away just by staring at the possess dominion from across the way ( or from the top of the stairs ) . ”
Territorial call may not include obvious signs of hostility , like hiss , swatting , growl or chasing . So , pet parents should be on the lookout for pernicious signs .
Unpleasant or meretricious sounds and smell . “The cat ’s sense of sense of smell is very sensitive , ” say Shojai , “ so you may not be bothered by the spirit of bleach , or carpeting spray , but that could be off - putting to pussycat . ” Basements smell especially unlike than the rest of your house , and the loud clothes dryer in the niche probably wo n’t be a welcome sign for kitty-cat .
Shojai also explains that big cat may hear startling noises that make them to debar stairs , such as critter scuttle in the dark or gurgling water supply in pipage .
timid footing or too much spacing between stair . Cats with Libra issues ( like Cerebellar Hypoplasia or inner - ear job ) may feel insecure about a staircase that is slick or lacks riser behind each stride . Things can be done to help these cats sense more unafraid , but see the physical causes for their waver is a first step .
THINGS TO CONSIDER:Is it possible to change my cat’s mind?
All khat oppose otherwise to preparation and conduct change . And if your cat has a reverence of the stairs , it may take some time to get your computerized axial tomography comfortable with using them again .
“ It ’s possible to change the guy ’s perceptual experience , ” says Shojai , “ but it takes clock time . ”
FIRST STEPS TO TAKE:How can I help my cat be more confident going up and down the stairs?
Check their footing . Whether it ’s a stair issue or a ft issue , be sure to address what might be deter your computerized tomography ’s stair mobility . Overgrown nail or overly hairy hand launchpad could be irritating to your cat or make steps specially satiny . Trim your cat ’s nails and paw hair regularly . If your stairs are slippy , or your cat seems unquiet about the flooring , consider getting carpeted stair runners to make them more well-fixed . If your cat seems incertain about a lack of riser pipeline , consider adding a irregular composition board backing , which you’re able to take away as your cat pay back more comfy .
Consider their old age and aesculapian position . You’ve been to the veteran , you ’ve claim all things into condition , and it may be clock time to eliminate stair from your quat ’s spirit for their interest . That ’s okay ! Your Caterpillar can still live a perfectly comfortable lifetime on one base . As their pet parent , it ’s your problem to make everything they necessitate approachable to them , including nutrient , water and litter boxes they can easily climb into .
Combat the source of their anxiousness . “First , test to cipher out WHY the cat avoids the stairs , ” says Shojai . “ Is kitty rightfully horrendous , or does she use this as an excuse to be held and carry ? If another favourite guards the surface area , do n’t endeavor to pull the shy cat to intrude . Instead , enclose the guard cat temporarily in another room to give the dread quat private stairway time to learn how to use them . ”
Give them all the playfulness thing , on the stair . “For cats that respond to catnip or silver vine , bemuse a sniff - company at the foot of the steps , ” suggests Shojai . “ Often , the herbaceous plant helps cats sweep over inhibitions and act a bit more brave . Feather or fishing pole lure toys can entice cats to keep an eye on up the stairs , and fall upon that it ’s not such a baffling obstacle after all . Also , try placing a very gamy - time value treat on pocket-sized plate define on several of the stair , so the big cat must mount in rescript to munch . ”
Take the edge off with pheromone or supplementation . You may require to consider asking your veterinarian about supplements to avail ease your cat ’s anxiety or try using a pheromone diffusor near the base of the stairs . While these do n’t mold for all cats , some cat parents report positive outcome .
HOW TO GET HELP:Questions to ask veterinary and behavior professionals
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Is Your Cat Slowing Downfrom Cornell Feline Health Center
Loving Care for old Catsfrom Cornell Feline Health Center
