I always called Flaps, my "step" cat.

Flaps was selected from our local Humane Society.  She was due to be put to sleep the next day because she had been there for a while.  I selected her because she really needed a friend and so did I. 

Whenever Flaps was on my 'steps', she would stand on her front legs and lie down with her back half   on the upper step.  she could stand like that for hours....