6 Best Cat Wheel Products for Exercise
- Molly Weinfurter
- Jun 20
- 4 min read
Most cats don’t get daily walks like dogs do, but they still deserve exercise. Cat running wheels are a great way to give your cats an outlet for their energy while keeping them in shape. So, let’s take a look at some of the best cat wheel products for exercise.
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What is a Cat Wheel?
Imagine a hamster wheel but big enough for a cat. Cat wheels act as treadmills for cats, allowing them to get essential exercise and mental stimulation. When your cat hops on the wheel and starts walking or running, the wheel will move, encouraging them to keep moving. They can hop off at any point, and it’ll slowly stop rotating.
While some cats love these products, others are uninterested or even dislike them. Consider your cat’s personality to decide if they’d enjoy a cat wheel or not. If your cat loves exercise, it can’t hurt to try it. For added safety, look for a cat wheel with a high-traction surface to prevent slipping and other safety features, like a lock, to prevent the wheel from rotating when you’re not able to monitor your cat.
Best Cat Exercise Wheels
Cat wheels take up a lot of space and can be pricey, so it’s important to consider all your options before choosing the perfect one. Below are some of the best cat exercise wheels on the market.
While this option requires a little more installation than other products, it’s still easy to put together while being sturdy. It has a wooden exterior that’s available in four different colors. In addition to the high-traction pad on the inside, it has a few other safety features. It has a built-in locking feature to control when your cat can use it, along with a tiny gap between the base and wheel to prevent paws from getting pinched. Plus, this exercise wheel runs quiet, so your cats won’t keep you up if they use it at night.
This cat wheel is a very similar design to the Homegroove wheel. So, it has similar features like a locking mechanism, very small gaps, and silent rotations. The detachable carpeted running track is safe for cats while providing a surface they enjoy scratching. The wheel is available in two large sizes (43-inch and 47-inch running diameters) and three colors. It’s a sturdy design that won’t easily tip over.
This product is a little bit smaller with the classic size having a 40-inch running diameter. However, there are three additional sizes to choose from. As long as you have an electric screwdriver, it’s fast and easy to assemble. It has a cute fish switch that can be turned to lock the wheel in place when needed. The wheel moves smoothly and doesn’t make much noise. The exterior is made of wood, which comes in three colors, and the interior is a high-traction carpet pad.
This plastic cat wheel is lighter and easier to assemble than the wooden options. The plastic comes in four fun colors, all of which come with a green high-traction running surface. You can choose between three sizes (31.5-inch, 39.4-inch, and 45.6-inch diameters), depending on how much space your cats need. It’s silent and has a safety lock for when you’re not around.
The COZIWOW cat wheel is another plastic cat wheel with high-traction carpeting inside. It comes in three different designs, all of which have a 31.5-inch diameter. The pieces click together with no special tools needed, making it a quick and easy setup. This option is lightweight, moisture resistant, and durable. Plus, it’s able to lock when you don’t want your cat using it.
One Fast Cat is a large cat wheel with a 43-inch running surface diameter so cats of all sizes can fit in it. The wheel is lightweight and easy to assemble since the pieces snap together without needing any special tools. The interior is lined with traction pads to prevent slipping, and the pads come in several different colors. It’s a great way for cats to get their energy out without being destructive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Size Cat Wheel Do I Need?
A cat running wheel’s diameter should be at least twice your cat’s body length for a comfortable experience. However, more space is better in most cases. So, if you’re able to get the biggest size, I highly recommend it. Your cat will feel more free if they have more space to run.
Are Cat Wheels Safe?
Yes, cat wheels are safe, but it’s always best to get one with additional safety features. If the wheel has a locking mechanism, high-traction surfaces, and gaps that are too small for paws to get pinched, that’s ideal. Even if your cat loves running on it, it’s safest to only unlock it when you can supervise them just to be safe.
Are Cat Wheels Good for Cats?
Yes, cat wheels are great for most cats. They offer a fun way for your cat to exercise and get energy out. However, they may stress out nervous cats, so it’s important to consider your cat’s preferences to decide if it will be good for them or not.
Can Dogs Use Cat Exercise Wheels?
Yes, some dogs can use cat exercise wheels as a treadmill. Check the weight limit to see if your dog can safely use it (usually, only small dogs should). There are some wheels and treadmills made specifically for dogs, so it might be best to get one of those instead if your dog is bigger.
Does Your Feline Need a Cat Running Wheel?
Cat wheels are a great way for cats to get exercise and entertainment, but not all cats need one. If your cat has a lot of energy and loves to run, it might be a fun gift for them. Yet, if they prefer to lounge around or get nervous around new furniture items, they might not be thrilled about it. Consider your feline’s unique personality to decide if a cat exercise wheel is right for them.
