When it comes to finding the best covering for stairs with cats, they run into problems like cat hair, cat claws, and constant scratching. It’s important to pick the right material for all of them, from carpeted stairs and vinyl floors to carpeted stairs and wood floors. Some people even build their stairs with places for.
How to keep stairs that look good and are safe for cats without damaging them is talked about in this article.
1. Cat Scratch Carpet Trimmable Self-Adhesive
The XUYEDOGLSH Cat Scratch Mat is a flexible, self-adhesive scratching pad that can be cut to fit different surfaces. It is made to keep cats from scratching stairs, walls, sofas, and furniture. Because it is made of long-lasting felt, it gives cats a safe and satisfying place to scratch. Because you can change how it looks, it will fit right into your home.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Trimmable size (78.7″x15.8″), self-adhesive backing, durable felt material.
- Ideal for: Protecting furniture, stairs, walls, cat trees, and other indoor surfaces.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5 stars from 98 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Easy to install, customizable to any shape, reusable design, and enhances safety for cat activities.
2. SHENGOCASE 78.7″x15.8″ Trimmable Self-Adhesive Carpet Mat Pad
This SHENGOCASE Self-Adhesive Carpet Mat Pad can be used on stairs, cat trees, walls, and furniture to protect them from scratches. It is flexible and can be cut to fit. It’s made of long-lasting synthetic fiber and has a soft but strong surface for climbing and scratching. The self-adhesive backing makes it easy to put down on a variety of surfaces.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Trimmable size (78.7″x15.8″), self-adhesive backing, durable synthetic fiber material.
- Ideal for: Cat trees, shelves, stairs, walls, and furniture surfaces in multi-cat households.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.1/5 stars from 620 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Easy to install, customizable, reusable, protects furniture, and enhances traction for cats.
3. Mewtogo 8.2Ft(L) Carpet Protector for Pets
The MEWTOGO Carpet Protector for Pets is a strong, non-slip PVC mat that is made to protect rugs and carpets from damage like scratches, tears, and accidents. In addition to being very protective, its clear design goes well with any home decor. It’s great for high-traffic areas and doorways because it’s easy to cut and put down.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: 8.2 ft length, 15.7 in width, durable recyclable PVC, anti-slip backing with nail grip.
- Ideal for: Protecting carpets in doorways, hallways, and pet activity zones.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5 stars from 643 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Scratch-resistant, non-slip, easy to cut, long-lasting, and protects against pet accidents.
4. MBIGM 8″ X 30″ (15 in Pack) Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads
Durable, pre-cut safety mats called MBIGM Non-Slip Carpet Stair Treads are meant to keep people from slipping and protect stairs from damage. With a TPU non-skid backing made of soft polyester, they give pets, kids, and older people a good grip. They are comfortable, quiet, and safer on indoor stairs, and they are easy to install and clean.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (8″x30″), pack of 15, anti-slip TPU backing, machine washable.
- Ideal for: Indoor stairs, homes with kids, elderly individuals, and pets.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 stars from 7,416 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Prevents slips, protects stairs, reduces noise, easy to clean, and leaves no residue.
5. Pattengo Non Slip Stair Treads for Wooden Steps, 15 Pack 8″ X 30″
The PATTENGO Non-Slip Stair Treads are durable and safe for pets, kids, and older people to use on wooden stairs. They stay in place without curling because they have an advanced TPR self-adhesive backing. These treads keep feet stable for both people and pets, lower noise, and protect floors from scratches.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (8″x30″), pack of 15, TPR self-adhesive backing, noise-reducing design.
- Ideal for: Indoor wooden stairs in homes with cats, kids, and elderly individuals.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.8/5 stars from 533 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Slip-resistant, reduces noise, easy to clean, machine washable, and customizable with scissors for a perfect fit.
6. COSY HOMEER Edging Stair Treads Non-Slip Carpet Mat (4pc)
Designed to keep cats, pets, and family members safe and comfortable on wooden stairs, the COSY HOMEER Non-Slip Stair Tread is a long-lasting and stylish polyester mat. It stays put without damaging floors because it has a TPE non-skid backing. It’s easy to set up and keep up, and it keeps people and pets safe and prevents slips.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (28″x9″), TPE non-skid backing, low-pile polyester material.
- Ideal for: Indoor wooden stairs in homes with dogs and cats, kids, and elderly individuals.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 stars from 5,670 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Anti-slip design, soft underfoot, easy to clean, residue-free removal, and pet-friendly surface.
7. Fixmend Stair Treads Non Slip for Wooden Steps, 8″ X 30″
Fixed Non-Slip Stair Treads are made of polyester and are meant to make stairs safer and protect them from damage. They stay in place without leaving any residue because the back is self-adhesive and doesn’t need any glue. For areas with a lot of foot traffic, these mats are comfortable, easy to clean, and long-lasting.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (8″x30″), adhesive-free self-adhesive backing, washable and reusable.
- Ideal for: Smooth indoor wooden stairs in homes with kids, elderly individuals, and pets.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.0/5 stars from 375 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Anti-slip surface, residue-free removal, easy installation, machine washable, and customizable fit.
8. Pauwer Non-Slip Stair Treads
To make wooden stairs safer, more comfortable, and better protected, Pauwer Carpet Stair Treads are made of high-quality chenille mats. The TPR self-adhesive backing keeps them in place without hurting the surface. These stair treads silently lower noise, keep people from slipping, and provide a soft, long-lasting surface for walking for everyone in the house.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (8″x30″), TPR self-adhesive backing, premium chenille material.
- Ideal for: Smooth indoor wooden stairs in homes with kids, elderly individuals, and pets.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.3/5 stars from 45 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Non-slip surface, easy installation, stain-resistant, machine washable, and residue-free removal.
9. PURE ERA Bullnose Carpet Stair Treads
The PURE ERA Bullnose Carpet Stair Treads are high-quality polypropylene mats that are made to protect wooden stairs, lower noise, and keep people from slipping. With a bullnose shape that protects the edges even more, these treads don’t need any glue or tape, so they can be taken off without leaving any residue. They make stairs safer and less slippery while also adding style and warmth.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (9.5″x30″), bullnose design, tape-free self-adhesive backing, soft polypropylene material.
- Ideal for: Indoor wooden stairs in homes with kids, elderly individuals, and high foot traffic.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5/5 stars from 1,759 reviews).
- Top Benefits: No adhesive residue, noise-reducing, easy installation, protects stair edges, and offers a comfortable surface underfoot.
10. COSY HOMEER Edging Stair Treads Non-Slip Carpet Mat (15pc)
The COSY HOMEER Edging Stair Treads are durable, non-slip mats made from 100% polyester with a TPE non-skid backing. Designed to stay securely in place, these mats provide safety, reduce noise, and protect wooden stairs from daily wear. They are easy to install, reposition, and clean, offering reliable traction and comfort.
Why it’s a Great Choice
- Features: Pre-cut size (28″x9″), TPE non-skid backing, durable polyester material, low-profile design.
- Ideal for: Indoor wooden stairs in homes with kids, elderly individuals, and high foot traffic.
- Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.7/5 stars from 5,670 reviews).
- Top Benefits: Slip-resistant, easy to install, machine washable, reduces noise, and leaves no residue when removed.
Best Flooring and Protection for Stairs with Cats: A Practical Guide
What is the Best Flooring for Stairs with Cats?
When choosing the best flooring for stairs in a house with cats, pet owners should look for materials that are long-lasting, easy to clean, and safe for cats. Here are some useful choices:
- Vinyl Flooring & Sheet Vinyl: Vinyl flooring is long-lasting and useful, and it doesn’t get scratched, stained, or clawed by cats. Because it has a wear layer, sheet vinyl works especially well in places that get a lot of use, like the laundry room and the stairs.
- Carpeted Stairs: Carpet provides traction for paws and human feet, reducing the risk of slipping. It’s also effective at reducing noise in high traffic areas.
- Wood Floors and Planks: Wood floors look nice, but pets can scratch and tear them. Putting down safety mats or stair treads is a good idea.
- Tile and Stone Flooring: Both tile and stone are durable and easy to clean, but cats dislike their cold and slippery surfaces, making them less ideal for stairs.
- Wear Layer Importance: If you want your floors to last in high-traffic areas, look for ones with a strong wear layer.
How Do I Protect My Stairs from Cats?
It is possible for cats to scratch, tear, and wear down stairs with their sharp paws and nails. Here are some good ways to keep your stairs safe:
- Install Stair Treads: Carpet or vinyl stair treads that are long-lasting and won’t slip are a great practical choice. Cover weak spots and keep people from scratching as much as possible.
- Use Scratch Mats: Scratching posts are important to keep your kitten or cat from scratching the stairs, which is their natural instinct. Putting down scratch mats that stick helps too.
- Protect with Stair Runners: Carpet stair runners can cover a lot of ground, making them last longer and less likely to get torn by pets.
- Regular Vacuuming: To keep the stairs clean and free of dirt and cat hair, vacuum them often.
- Strategic Placement of Scratching Posts: Put scratching posts next to the stairs to get your pet to scratch those instead of the stairs.
Final Thoughts
When picking the best flooring for stairs in a house with cats, safety, durability, and how easy it is to clean should come first. Vinyl, sheet vinyl, carpeted stairs, and wood are all great choices that won’t get scratched.
Extra protection can be added by putting down stair treads, scratching posts, and mats. Vacuuming often can help keep cat hair and dirt away. Your stairs can be safe and stylish for people and pets if you plan ahead and get the right tools.
FAQs
How do I make my stairs cat friendly?
Use carpeted stairs, add scratching posts, and install protective mats like vinyl flooring to keep cats safe and reduce tear caused by claws.
What is the best carpet for stairs with cats?
The best carpet for stairs with cats has a strong wear layer, resists stains, and withstands cat claws and high traffic areas.
How do I prevent cat damage on my stairs?
Use stair treads, scratching posts, and durable vinyl flooring to prevent cat damage and minimize tear caused by paws.
Are wood stairs good for cats?
Wood floors on stairs can be slippery, so adding carpet, stair treads, or vinyl flooring reduces risk and wear and tear.
What materials are best for protecting stairs from cat damage?
Vinyl floor works, sheet vinyl, carpeted stairs, and stair treads are practical options for minimizing tear caused by cat claws and paws.