As our beloved feline companions age, their needs change, and as responsible pet owners, it's our duty to make their golden years as comfortable as possible. It's heartwarming to see pet parents going the extra mile to ensure their furry friends can still enjoy their favourite spots around the house, even when age starts to slow them down.

One such story of thoughtful pet care comes from Olivia Nelson, who has found an ingenious and cost-effective solution to help her 11-year-old cat maintain her independence and comfort. Olivia shared a TikTok video that quickly captured the hearts of cat lovers everywhere. It featured her senior cat using a $24 set of portable pet steps from Kmart to easily climb onto her bed. The text overlaying the video expressed Olivia's satisfaction: 'POV: your cat is getting too old to jump on your bed, so these $24 steps from Kmart was the best purchase you've ever made.'

The video shows the cat cautiously ascending the stairs, two steps at a time, before finally reaching the mattress and settling into a cozy spot. This simple yet effective tool has not only made the cat very happy but has also sparked a conversation among pet owners about the challenges and solutions for aging pets.

A video was shared by Olivia Nelson, showing how $24 pet steps from Kmart have helped her elderly cat climb onto the bed. Credit: @olivia__nelson / TikTok

Many cat owners shared their own experiences in response to Nelson's post. Some recounted how they had to make adjustments to their homes, such as removing bed frames or placing mattresses on the floor, to accommodate their aging cats. Others mentioned purchasing steps for various furniture pieces and even installing nightlights to help their pets navigate the home safely.

However, not all cats take these steps immediately. Some owners noted that their cats were too frightened to use the steps, leading to various workarounds. Nelson herself mentioned that her cat was initially scared of the new addition but was eventually coaxed into using them with the help of treats. Now, the cat loves her steps and uses them regularly.

The pet steps from Kmart have garnered a 4.3-star rating on the retailer's website and are recommended for small, elderly, or arthritic pets, with a weight capacity of up to 35kg. They are praised for their practicality and the independence they can restore to pets who may no longer be able to jump as they once did.

For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, this story is a reminder of the simple joys and the deep bond we share with our pets. It also highlights the importance of adapting our homes to suit their changing needs. If you have an aging pet, consider whether there are any small changes you can make to your home to help them live more comfortably.

Credit: TikTok​

Key Takeaways

• Olivia Nelson shared a TikTok video demonstrating how $24 pet steps from Kmart have helped her elderly cat climb onto the bed.
• The pet steps are seen as beneficial by pet owners, with many relating their own experiences and how such steps could aid their older or less mobile pets.
• Some cat owners shared that their cats were initially scared or confused by the steps, but with patience and training, they could learn to use them comfortably.
• The Kmart pet steps have a positive rating on their website and are recommended for small, elderly, or arthritic pets, supporting up to 35kg.

We'd love to hear from you about the ways you've adapted your home for your senior pets. Have you found any products or DIY solutions that have made a significant difference in their lives? Share your stories in the comments below, and let's continue to support each other in providing the best care for our furry family members as they age gracefully by our sides.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

These bed/couch steps have been around for years. Mine even had storage under the steps for leashes and harnesses so this is nothing new at all.

 

[Suzanne rose]

Forget the cat steps I love my kmart step I use in my kitchen and it cost $5

 

[Veggiepatch]

Our 19 year old furry turd doesn't need steps to get onto the bed or even the kitchen table!

And before you all jump up and down, we don't eat at the kitchen table. And Bronte probably exhibits a greater level of hygiene that most humans!

 

[DLHM]

Our 19 year old furry turd doesn't need steps to get onto the bed or even the kitchen table!

And before you all jump up and down, we don't eat at the kitchen table. And Bronte probably exhibits a greater level of hygiene that most humans!

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We’re lucky she has no arthritis or any other health issues that an old cat can get. She’s an indoor cat, so possibly that helps??
But she does sleep most of the time.

 

[Barbara V]

Those steps been around for awhile just purchased a extra one from Aldi and it cost much less than that

 

[Littleboy8]

Our 19 year old furry turd doesn't need steps to get onto the bed or even the kitchen table!

And before you all jump up and down, we don't eat at the kitchen table. And Bronte probably exhibits a greater level of hygiene that most humans!

View attachment 59707

I feed my cat on the dining table which I don’t use either it’s easier than bending down for me and I love it when he nudges me and purrs and says thanks mum meow.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Forget the cat steps I love my kmart step I use in my kitchen and it cost $5
View attachment 59706

I have bad memories of something similar. We used it for our little boy so he could wash his hands in the bathroom basin. One day he put the plug in, turned the tap on full blast just before we left for a few hours.

We were welcomed with hundreds and hundreds of litres of water all throughout the house, carpets and low furniture soaked. Another trick was to unload every toilet roll he could find, dump them in the toilet and flush. Geez that kid cost us a merry packet.

This was before the advent of the overflow hole at the rear of the basin.

 

[DLHM]

I have bad memories of something similar. We used it for our little boy so he could wash his hands in the bathroom basin. One day he put the plug in, turned the tap on full blast just before we left for a few hours.

We were welcomed with hundreds and hundreds of litres of water all throughout the house, carpets and low furniture soaked. Another trick was to unload every toilet roll he could find, dump them in the toilet and flush. Geez that kid cost us a merry packet.

This was before the advent of the overflow hole at the rear of the basin.

Looking back, wouldn’t they be good memories? Think of what a cheeky little guy he was.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Looking back, wouldn’t they be good memories? Think of what a cheeky little guy he was.

Don't I know it!!

 

[Colette 3799]

I feed my cat on the dining table which I don’t use either it’s easier than bending down for me and I love it when he nudges me and purrs and says thanks mum meow.

I feed my 13 year old cat on the bench in the laundry. It’s to stop my food loving Labrador from stealing his food. I don’t know what I’ll do if there comes a time when he can’t get up there.

 

[Suzanne rose]

I have bad memories of something similar. We used it for our little boy so he could wash his hands in the bathroom basin. One day he put the plug in, turned the tap on full blast just before we left for a few hours.

We were welcomed with hundreds and hundreds of litres of water all throughout the house, carpets and low furniture soaked. Another trick was to unload every toilet roll he could find, dump them in the toilet and flush. Geez that kid cost us a merry packet.

This was before the advent of the overflow hole at the rear of the basin.

The memories are good even when they were bad at the time.

 

[Veggiepatch]

The memories are good even when they were bad at the time.

Actually it didn't worry me too much. Just told him gently that what he did was wrong and not to do it again. It took some time and money to rectify but never made "a thing" of it.