Let them climb indoors ... on their own furniture, that's right at home with yours.

 Below are our standard responses to try and answer the most common questions that arise. If you don't see your specific question answered, please e-mail a request for further information to sales@catladder.com with the subject line "More Info". Thanks so much for your interest in our product. We hope this will help!

    The Mounting  Block

Q: What is the mounting block and where can I see what it looks like in use?

A: The mounting block is a block of wood that comes with each ladder and has a matching finish.  It acts as a ledge for the front of the top step to rest on. It is provided as a method of securing the ladder to prevent it from sliding down the wall should it get "kicked out" at the bottom. It can be seen in our Assembly Instructions pdf. 

 

Q: How big is the block?

A: The block for the Standard size step is 9”long x 1-1/2” x 1-1/2”. The Large size steps use an 11” long block.

 

Q: Is the mounting block always needed?

A: No, but it is recommended in instances where there is a concern of the ladder sliding and when there is no other method of securing it available. In many cases people find the block is not needed at all.  As long as the rubber feet are in good contact with a stable, grippy surface they are generally quite secure. But we strongly encourage using good judgement when placing the ladder. If you live in a home with small children or pets that may bump into it and kick out the feet, you may want to consider using the block (or any comparable method) even it feels secure without it. Think "safety first". 

 

Q: Is the ladder permanently attached to the block?

A: No. The block is provided with velcro buttons on it. The carpeting of the top step will grip the velcro and keep the ladder from slipping but will also make it easy to "tear" off of the block should you want to move it. 

 

Q: Do I have to permanently screw the block to the wall?

A: It is the most secure way to use the block. But, there are many excellent "removable adhesive strips" available that can be used to affix the block to a wall or cabinet without using screws. Of course we cannot guarantee results but we've had some success in testing these. 

 

 Q: Are there alternatives, other than the block, to securing the ladder?
 A: Absolutely.  Many people position the ladder so the top step rests on top of  a cabinet or other stable ledge. This is probably the safest way to place it. 

       Another way to prevent it from kicking out, is to place it so the foot of the ladder is near or against a wall or cabinet. That way, if the ladder should slide, it will stop as soon as the foot hits the wall. 

One final note to remember; Just having the carpeting of the top step in contact with some adhesive backed velcro, works great in most situations to keep the ladder from slipping. Think of the block as a handy ledge for situations where nothing else is available to rest the step on.

     Ladder Sizing (refer to our Selection Guide to compare dimensions)

Q: How do I decide whether I need a Standard or Large step size?
A: Any cat can climb our Standard sized ladder but not all sized cats would be as comfortable hanging out or sleeping on it.  Generally speaking the Standard size is comfortable for cats up to 12lbs,  Above that, you might want to consider the Wide size step.  The Standard size step is 9"x9", The Wide size step is 11"x11".  The extra 2" might not sound like much but it makes a big difference (that's 50% more surface area...81 vs. 121 square inches )

Q: How do I decide how many steps I need?
A: We recommend printing out the sizing chart and taking a measuring tape around the house.  Consider the max height you'd like your cat to reach and whether or not the step will rest on a shelf, a cabinet or just lean against the wall (the mounting block may be recommended, see Mounting Block info above). If you'd like to rest the top step on a shelf or other ledge it does not have to be the exact dimension to the underside of the step. The ladder may lean forward or back a little depending on whether the ledge is lower or higher than the step dimension.
Please make sure to consider the "distance from wall" dimension when deciding.  Especially with the larger ladders that may project into the traffic area of a room.


    Exterior Ladders

Q: Can the ladders be used outdoors?
A: No. They're intended as indoor furniture and should be cared for accordingly. We are working on a line of exterior ladders but there is much development to do to ensure they will hold up outside.  
 

    International Shipping

Q: Do you ship internationally?

A: We do not ship internationally but there's still a way for cats outside the U.S. have their people get them a ladder. 

We've discovered that the most economical way, for customers outside the U.S, to get a ladder is to use a third-party shipper like ‪‪Shipito.com. 
How it works is, you set up a US, Shipito address to have the Cat Ladder sent to. You order the Cat Ladder and have it sent to that address. Shipito then takes care of getting it into your country. They give quotes on their website. Use the package weights and dimensions from our product descriptions to get an estimate from them. 
We've had customers in Italy and Australia receive ladders this way. It looks pretty simple and they seemed happy with the service. 
Keep in mind though, Shipito's cost will be IN ADDITION TO our shipping costs.