Cat wheels, also known as cat treadmills or cat exercise wheels, are becoming an increasingly popular way for cat owners to provide enrichment and exercise for their furry friends. But are cat wheels really worth the investment? Here we’ll explore the pros and cons of cat wheels to help you decide if purchasing one is right for your feline.
Page Contents
What is a Cat Wheel?
A cat wheel is essentially a giant hamster wheel designed specifically for cats. The wheel itself is an upright circular structure, usually made of plastic or metal, that is mounted on a stand or base. The wheel allows a cat to walk or run in place inside the rotating enclosure. Cat wheels come in a variety of sizes, with diameters ranging from about 3 feet up to 6 feet. Many cat wheels are collapsible or foldable for easy storage when not in use.
Benefits of Cat Wheels
There are several potential benefits to providing a cat wheel for your pet:
Exercise and Physical Activity
One of the main reasons for getting a cat wheel is to encourage exercise and physical activity for your cat. The regular aerobic activity from walking and running in the wheel can help keep your cat fit and at a healthy weight. This is especially beneficial for indoor cats that don’t get as much natural exercise around the house.
Stress and Anxiety Relief
The physical exertion of working out on the cat wheel can help relieve your cat’s stress and anxiety. The repetitive motion of walking and running can have a calming effect. Burning off that extra feline energy and frustration through exercise is also beneficial for avoiding other unwanted behaviors like aggression or inappropriate scratching.
Cognitive Stimulation
Working out on the cat wheel provides mental stimulation as well as physical. Your cat needs to coordinate footsteps, balance, pace themselves, etc. This cognitive engagement and challenge can help prevent boredom and related problem behaviors. It gives their brain a workout along with their body!
Bonding and Play
A cat wheel can facilitate fun bonding time and interactive play between you and your cat. You can encourage and reward your cat for using their wheel with treats, toys, and praise. Some cat wheels even allow human interaction with attachments like dangling toys inside the wheel while kitty is walking.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Exercise and Physical Activity | Helps keep cats fit and at a healthy weight through aerobic activity |
| Stress and Anxiety Relief | Burns off extra energy and relieves frustration through physical exertion |
| Cognitive Stimulation | Mentally engages cats by making them focus on coordination and pacing |
| Bonding and Play | Provides opportunities for interactive play and quality time between cat and owner |
Considerations for Cat Wheels
While cat wheels offer some great benefits, there are also a few important factors to keep in mind:
Cost
Quality cat wheels designed for safety and durability don’t come cheap, with most costing $150-$500. This is definitely an investment purchase to factor into your budget. However, many cat owners find the long-term benefits make it well worth the cost.
Size Requirements
You need to select a cat wheel with the appropriate interior size based on your cat’s length and overall size. Measure your cat from nose to tail (not including tail) when fully extended to determine the minimum diameter needed. Undersized wheels can limit comfortable movement. Oversized wheels may not properly engage and motivate your cat.
Training Required
Most cats will need training and a period of adjustment when first introduced to a wheel. You’ll need to entice and reward your cat with treats and praise to encourage wheel use. Not all cats take to it, so have patience during the introductory process.
Safety Supervision
Directly supervise your cat anytime they use the wheel, especially early on, to ensure safe usage.Hazards like falling, jumping out, or getting limbs stuck are possible. Proper-fitting wheel size and Slowly ramping up duration minimizes risks.
Maintenance
Cat wheels will require regular cleaning to prevent odors and remove shed fur. Wheel treads may need occasionally re-tensioning or lubrication as well. Factor in these maintenance tasks to keep the wheel in good form.
| Consideration | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Most quality cat wheels range from $150-$500 |
| Size Requirements | Wheel diameter should allow cat to fully extend without impediment |
| Training Required | Takes patience and rewards to teach cat proper and safe usage |
| Safety Supervision | Directly supervise cats early on to prevent injuries |
| Maintenance | Regular cleaning and occasional repairs will be needed |
Types of Cat Wheels
If you decide to get a cat wheel, there are a few different types and features to consider:
Freestanding or Wall-Mounted
Freestanding wheels have a wide base or sturdy leg stand to support the wheel upright. Wall-mounted wheels attach directly to the wall to conserve floor space.
Enclosed or Open
An enclosed wheel has solid sides for safety. Open wheels only have a floor and open front, back and sides. Enclosed is generally recommended for cats.
Collapsible/Foldable
Some wheels can fold up into a more compact size for storage when not in use. This is convenient if space is limited.
Speed Settings
Higher-end wheels have adjustable resistance or speed settings to let you control the intensity of the workout.
Attachments/Accessories
Some wheels allow for interactive attachments like dangling toys inside the wheel or lasers to entice the cat.
| Wheel Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Freestanding | Has a wide base or legs to stand upright |
| Wall-Mounted | Attaches to wall to save floor space |
| Enclosed | Has solid sides for safety |
| Open | No sides, just a floor and open front/back |
| Collapsible | Can fold up into a smaller size |
| Speed Settings | Adjustable resistance or intensity |
| Attachments/Accessories | Interactive toys or lasers can be added |
Best Cat Wheels
Here is an overview of 5 top-rated cat wheel options to consider:
OneFastCat Exercise Wheel
- Freestanding enclosed wheel
- Available in 30” and 36” diameters
- Lightweight but sturdy polymer construction
- Easy to assemble and fold up for storage
- Added stability from wide base
- Price range: $199 – $269
Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post
- Large hamster-style exercise wheel integrated into a vertical scratching post
- Enclosed safety wheel with diameter of 35”
- Includes plush toys that attach to wheel interior
- Scratching post wrapped in natural sisal rope
- Price: Around $140
PetFusion Cat Exercise Wheel
- Hybrid wheel can be used freestanding or wall mounted
- Enclosed with scratch-resistant polymer surface
- Diameters available from 28” up to 36”
- Removable base for compact storage
- Price range: $120 – $150
GoPet Treadwheel
- Sturdy freestanding treadmill-style wheel
- Sizes range from small to extra-large
- Open wheel design with slat treads
- Easy to assemble with no tools required
- Price: Around $240
Paws & Pals Cat Exercise Wheel
- Basic freestanding polycarbonate wheel
- Enclosed drum design with vent holes
- Comes with catnip spray to entice use
- Available in 35” and 47” diameters
- Lower budget price range: $60 – $100
| Wheel | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| OneFastCat Exercise Wheel | Lightweight polymer; Folds up; Sturdy base | $199 – $269 |
| Pioneer Pet SmartCat Ultimate Scratching Post | Integrated scratch post and wheel; Plush toys included | Around $140 |
| PetFusion Cat Exercise Wheel | Hybrid freestanding or wall mount; Removable base | $120 – $150 |
| GoPet Treadwheel | Treadmill-style open wheel; No assembly required | Around $240 |
| Paws & Pals Cat Exercise Wheel | Basic enclosed wheel; Budget price | $60 – $100 |
Important Safety Tips
If using a cat wheel, be sure to follow these basic safety precautions:
- Closely supervise your cat anytime they use the wheel
- Select the proper wheel size for your cat’s dimensions
- Introduce slowly and use rewards to positively reinforce
- Ensure the wheel is on a non-slip, stable surface or securely mounted
- Check for signs of overexertion or injury and limit sessions accordingly
- Discourage jumping into a moving wheel; start wheel only when cat is inside
- Maintenance like cleaning and wheel tensioning helps prevent injuries
The Verdict
At the end of the day, cat wheels can provide some great mental and physical enrichment for your feline friend. But they are a significant investment and do require effort on your part to train your cat and integrate the wheel into their routine.
If you have the budget, time, and space for one, and a cat that’s motivated by toys and exercise, then a cat wheel could very well be worth it. Just be sure to transition your cat slowly and always make safety the number one priority. Proper supervision and care is key to success.
For more sedentary or senior/disabled cats, a wheel may not get much use. And some cats may refuse to use it altogether even after extensive training. So factor in your individual cat’s personality and needs when deciding if a cat wheel is really right for your situation.
With patience and persistence, many cats can come to enjoy a good workout on their wheel. And having an outlet for that playful feline energy will keep your cat happier and healthier. So explore the top options, budget for the purchase, and give it a try! Both you and kitty could end up thrilled with the new spinning cat wheel.
Conclusion
Cat wheels offer some compelling benefits like exercise, mental stimulation, and stress relief for your feline. But they also require research to find the right product, proper training and safety measures for your cat, and a financial investment on your part. Consider your cat’s personality, space constraints, and budget to decide if getting a cat wheel is really worthwhile and feasible for your situation. With reasonable expectations and commitment to integrating it safely, a cat wheel can be an enriching addition to any cat’s exercised routine. Just be sure to provide the required patience and supervision to help optimize the experience for both you and your cat.