Is there any way to get a pet into a 3rd story apartment accessible only by ladder?

I was afraid of that. Well, I made a very twisty staircase because it was the only way I could get it to fit on the lot. I got my cat up there, deleted the staircase, and then rebuilt the ladder. Really wish they'd make ladders more pet and toddler friendly. Our sims should be able to carry them like in TS3. Thanks for the ideas.