Pets and Spiral Staircases
Cats may see it as a playground and dogs may need some training.
One of the most asked questions regarding spiral staircases by those looking to have one installed in their home is about suitability for pets. Dogs and cats are very much part of the family, and any property must work for them as much as for their humans.
So here we go, here are the answers to some key questions about pets and spiral staircases:
Should I consider a spiral staircase if I have dogs or cats?
The good news is that yes you can have a spiral staircase in a house with pets. You will need to take some ‘steps’ to introduce and adjust them to the idea. See below for more answers that show how to do this.
How will my cat deal with a spiral staircase?
Cats are not normally an issue as they can navigate, jump and bounce across most structures. Mostly they enjoy the challenge and can use it as a playground or a good viewing point to watch the day’s goings on. Cats are nimble and will be curious to work out their own routes up and down. You can always motivate a cat to explore by dropping some treats on each step for them to follow. If your spiral stairs are very high then maybe consider some under stair protection in your design to prevent falling through.
Will my dog struggle with a spiral staircase?
Dogs normally have no problems going up spiral staircases, however they may need some help getting used to coming down. Try adding some carpeted strips to stairs for extra grip and to prevent scratches on the stairs itself. Train your dog with treats on each step initially as they come down. In your step design you could also consider wider rather than very narrow steps close to the centre.
For miniature breeds that are smaller than the gaps on an open staircase consider a designed mesh under the stair to prevent them falling through, although this would be the same with a straight open stair.
Elderly or very large dogs and spiral staircases?
Elderly dogs will struggle on any kind of stairwell not just spiral staircases so give them the same consideration as you would with a straight stair. Be prepared to let them have a go at going up but you may need to carry them down. Elderly dogs with vision problem may struggle with a spiral concept so other than carrying them maybe make them comfortable downstairs or build in a cool dog house under the stairs so they always are near the action.
Large dogs may come down the spiral stairs faster than they intended at times so a carpet covering on the steps will help with traction. If you have a very large dog consider the clearance space they will need in your design, you will need get both you and the dog up and down side by side comfortably.
