“Look closely at the walls—these tiny staircases are there for a reason” 🏘️ Across one European country, curious structures appear on homes and buildings… but they’re not what you think. The quiet reason behind them might just warm your heart. Full story and photos in the article below 👇
In Switzerland, cats aren’t just pets — they’re practically part of the family. And people there love them so much that they build special staircases right onto the sides of buildings so cats can climb up to their homes with ease.
These cat ladders aren’t rare — in fact, they’re a common sight across the country. But they’re especially impressive and beautifully designed in the capital city of Bern.
If you walk around the residential areas there, you’ll see buildings with all sorts of clever little staircases winding up the walls. Some look like narrow wooden steps stacked vertically, while others are more like ramps or spiral paths. Many are built so carefully and creatively that they blend right into the architecture — becoming a charming part of the building itself.
Designer and writer Brigitte Schuster was so fascinated by these cat ladders that she decided to dig deeper. She discovered that this isn’t just a cute trend — it’s a sign of real care. In countries like Turkey, where cats are also loved and roam freely, you won’t find these ladders. There, cats get around by climbing rooftops, trees, beams, and whatever else is available.
In Switzerland, though, people go out of their way to make life easier for their feline friends — not because they have to, but because they want to. They see it as a way of offering kindness and support to animals that live alongside them.
Schuster ended up writing an entire book on the subject, titled Cat Ladders in Switzerland. It’s not just about quirky architecture — it’s a tribute to the deep affection Swiss people have for animals, and how that love shows up in everyday life.
And the ladders themselves? They’re all different. Some are simple, while others are impressively detailed. Many are hand-built by the cat owners themselves, with creativity and care. Some even include tiny windows or built-in entrances, since most standard window designs don’t come with openings for cats.
It’s a touching reminder that sometimes, true love for animals isn’t loud or flashy — it’s in the small details, like building a ladder so your cat can always find its way home.
What do you think of Switzerland’s cat ladders? Would you build one for your pet? Let us know in the comments — we’d love to hear your thoughts!
