Cat running machine - instructions for making it yourself

Many pets are accustomed to leading an active lifestyle. At home, a loving owner needs to monitor the physical health of his pet. As it turns out, it's not just hamsters or chinchillas that need a running wheel. Recently, such a simulator has found its use among cat owners.

DIY running wheel for cats

Who would like a cat exercise machine - a running wheel?

Cats, like people, differ in character and temperament: some can spend the whole day on the couch, others need constant movement.

Passive cats play reluctantly, sleep 20–22 hours a day, are calm and slow. Active ones clearly demonstrate the hunting instinct, restlessly rush around the entire apartment, play a lot and noisily, splashing out their energy. In this they differ little from their wild relatives: in nature, such cats can cover a distance of more than 10 km at night in search of food. If every day your pet wakes you up in the morning with noisy running around, joyfully pounces on every new toy, jumps on furniture, then this definitely means that you are the happy owner of an active breed of cat. A running wheel will come in handy in a home where representatives of active breeds such as Siamese, Bengal, Abyssinian, Kurilian Bobtail, Egyptian Mau, Balinese and others live.

Cat in a running wheel

City apartments are cramped for such cats, they limit their hunting territory, so tailed fidgets endlessly run around the house, jump on windows and curtains, damage furniture, causing trouble for the owner. It is especially difficult for pets if the owners do not have the opportunity to take the cat for a walk. Cats may begin to mark their territory at home by running restlessly around the rooms. The simulator will help calm the animal and redirect attention.

The treadmill wheel is very popular in Europe, and this exercise machine has recently appeared on Russian shelves.

Now it can be purchased at any pet store, which allows every owner to take care of the health of their cat, or to make it themselves.

Who needs it?

A running wheel is a kind of exercise machine, which is primarily needed by active domestic cats. Space in apartments is quite limited and animals do not have the opportunity to express all their energy. If you prevent an active pet from playing, then over time he may become lazy and spend most of his time sleeping or at the food bowl.

Passive individuals have an increased risk of gaining excess weight, which, in turn, can lead to serious health problems. A running wheel will be an excellent alternative to free-ranging on the street for natural predators.

Among all cats, representatives of the following breeds are distinguished by activity:

• Abyssinian;
• Somali;
• Egyptian Mau;
• savannah;
• Bengal;
• oriental;
• Siamese;
• Ocicat.

However, this does not mean that only these animals will like the simulator. Any cat can be active, regardless of its breed.

Benefits of a running wheel

A treadmill is similar to a human treadmill. It helps the cat lose excess weight, strengthen the cardiovascular system, muscles, and lungs.

The wheel will be useful for overweight cats and will help them get into good physical shape. Spayed and neutered cats are most susceptible to overeating. As in humans, this can lead to serious heart disease, metabolic disorders, and stress on internal organs and joints.

Together with proper nutrition, such a simulator will allow your cat to stay healthy and lose extra pounds.

The simulator can replace a scratching post. The inner covering is made in such a way that the cat can rest on it with its paws. The animal will use the running wheel when it is bored or the owner is not at home. If there are several cats in a family, then the simulator will be an excellent play complex for them.

Running on a wheel allows your cat to burn off some energy.

Description and functions

One of the items that will help diversify the life of a mustache is a running wheel for cats. At specialized sales points you can find several models of cat simulators. All of them are a round rotating object, namely a wheel of different types and sizes, with individual features in the form of lining and other details. The models differ according to the following main parameters:

1. Dimensions of the simulator. Despite the fact that there are certain standards (800 and 1200 cm), you need to choose a wheel according to the size of your pet. Veterinarians and experienced cat owners recommend buying a simulator “with a reserve”, that is, more than necessary. In it, the pet will not only feel more comfortable, but will also avoid skeletal deformities.
2. Inner covering material. The covering can be anything (felt, carpet), as long as the paws do not slip. Tenacious durable fabric surfaces will prevent possible injuries to the limbs.
3. Design features. Some models are equipped with an additional inner wall. This type is perfect for young and active pets, whose excitement makes them forget and accelerate to such an extent that flying out of the simulator is inevitable.

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You can either purchase a running wheel or make it yourself. Using the accessory will help your pet lose excess weight or prevent its appearance, strengthen muscles and joints, and prevent the development of diseases associated with lack of active activity. In addition, it will be possible to prevent domestic chaos and destruction caused by young, active and playful cats.

What types of running wheels are there for cats?

The operating principle of all running wheels is the same. The main difference is in the design and material used. Exercise machines are usually made of wood, plastic, metal or corrugated cardboard. Each material has its own positive qualities and disadvantages.

Wood is the most versatile, environmentally friendly and natural material for making cat running wheels. Most often, products made from light plywood are offered. For its basis, trees such as birch, walnut, oak, and pine are taken. The wooden exercise machine will fit perfectly into the interior of the apartment and will delight your pet every day. If you want to make a homemade wheel from wood, then keep in mind that it must first be treated to prevent rotting and its condition must be monitored.

The weight of a wooden exercise machine is from two kilograms or more

The plastic wheel is light in weight and easy to assemble at home. It is convenient to clean, but like any other thing made of plastic, such a simulator can quickly break down and repairing it will be problematic.

The plastic wheel looks aesthetically pleasing

The metal wheel is reliable, stable, durable, easy to clean, but most often it is solid and bulky, so it is inconvenient to transport. Such products are most often made by the owners themselves in home workshops.

A metal wheel is more reliable than others, but also heavier

A cardboard wheel is perfect for kittens and light weight cats. It is much easier to assemble than wood or plastic, but quickly becomes unusable. Many cats like to use cardboard objects as scratching posts, so sometimes paper scraps form next to this simulator

Cardboard wheel may not last long

Table. Comparative characteristics of materials for making wheels

Some craftsmen use a combination of different materials to create a wheel. The resulting hybrid options are with a base made of plywood or iron and a running part made of corrugated cardboard.

By design, the wheels are either open or semi-closed. The first option assumes that the cat can enter the wheel from any side. In the closed type, one side is adjacent to the wall and is completely closed. Depending on the design option, a rotation mechanism is installed. In the open type, rotation is carried out by rollers under the wheel itself on the bottom of the stand. Such a wheel is less stable and can “walk” slightly under the weight of the cat. In the closed type, the mechanism itself that allows the wheel to spin is located on the side and allows the structure to maintain balance. If the pet is too reckless and energetic, then if he loses coordination, the side wall will be able to align his trajectory and will not allow him to fall off the wheel.

To make the cat “spin on the wheel” more actively, some models are equipped with various teasers in the form of a laser beam or a toy mouse. It is better to make such toys removable so that the cat does not get used to them.

There is a special coating inside the exercise machine to prevent the cat's paws from slipping while moving. It can be carpet, rubber, felt, foam mat. The modern market offers a choice of wheels with a wide variety of designs:

• with different wheel shapes (round, polygonal);
• with different designs for the back wall;
• different colors;
• running wheels built into play complexes;

A large play complex will give your cat a lot of positive emotions

Advantages and disadvantages

Running wheels for cats have both advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider the advantages of such a simulator.

• The wheel allows you to organize leisure time for your pet. Individuals who like to run around the apartment in the mornings and nights will no longer bother tired owners and wake them up.
• The health benefits for cats are undeniable. For lazy individuals, periodic jogging allows you to maintain normal weight and not gain fat. Active pets will be able to splash out their energy at any time. Exercise also helps maintain muscle tone.
• Exercising on a treadmill not only allows you to maintain normal weight and train muscles, but also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and lungs.
• In many wheel models, the inside is lined with carpet and can serve as a scratching post for your pet.

As for the disadvantages, they are not so significant for running wheels. Let us highlight the main disadvantages of the simulator.

• Ready-made models are quite expensive . However, on the Internet you can find ready-made drawings and instructions for making such wheels, which will save money.
• Some exercise machines are quite large and are only suitable for large rooms.
• Not all cats are ready to immediately appreciate all the advantages of a running wheel. The owner sometimes has to spend a lot of time to accustom his pet to the exercise machine.

Running wheels are not suitable for all cats. And it's not always about the animal's temperament. If the cat has any injuries or illnesses, training on the simulator may not be acceptable.

How to choose a running wheel in a store?

When choosing a wheel, first of all, you need to pay attention to its size so that your pet feels comfortable. A standard wheel for medium-sized cats is considered to be a simulator with a diameter of 80 cm or more, but veterinarians advise not to skimp on the length and to purchase a wheel of 1 m or more so that the cat does not have to bend its body unnaturally and does not injure the spine. The optimal width of the treadmill is 30-40 cm.

You should pay attention to the inner shell of the simulator, on which the animal will not slip when moving. The best option for covering a cat wheel is carpet or felt.

Wheels can be solid or prefabricated. When ordering a simulator through an online store, they will send you a prefabricated wheel, which you will need to assemble yourself, piece by piece. The price for such a device varies from 10 to 25 thousand rubles. The simulator can be ordered both from Russia and abroad from individuals or in various stores.

Factory wheels will look great in any interior

How to make it yourself

If you are not afraid of work and want to try your hand, you can make a simulator for your pet yourself. We'll tell you what you need for this and how to do it.

Materials and tools

To make a simple standard wheel you need to stock up on: plywood, steel profile, bearings, wooden barrel, boards, wire or nylon thread, bolts, nuts, paint for coating. As for tools, a wrench, a tape measure (sewing tape measure), a drill, a jigsaw or its manual equivalent, a piece of sandpaper can be found in the arsenal of every skilled owner, but a welding machine may need to be purchased or borrowed.

detailed instructions

1. Frame to support the wheel. A rectangular frame made of steel profile must be made using a welding machine. On the long side of the rectangle, it is necessary to weld the crossbar approximately 10 cm from the edge. Then a pair of posts are welded to the crossbar at an angle of 30 or 45 degrees, which are necessary to attach the hinge.
2. Making a wheel. To do this, it is necessary to cut off part of the barrel and bolt the boards together for structural strength. We cut out a part for the drum from plywood: we make a circular marking, the diameter is slightly smaller than the inner side of the narrow part of the barrel, and we cut out the circle with a jigsaw. The boards need to be cut along the outer diameter so as to make grooves for the cross.
3. To the structure you must first attach a circle of plywood in the center, and then the cut base of the barrel, securing it with bolts.
4. We attach the drum to the hinge so that it rotates freely, but does not wobble.
5. Installation and fastening. You need to choose a free corner, away from fragile and dangerous objects. A wall with a battery or next to firmly standing objects is perfect. Several holes are drilled in the wheel stands, through which the simulator can be connected to a stable, stationary object using a wire. This will help prevent you from tipping over while driving.

A cat will approve of a well-made exercise machine and will use it often.

Author of the article Bogdanova Ekaterina Dmitrievna Rate the usefulness of the article 0 Using these ratings, we make the site better

DIY running wheel for cats

Cat owners often make exercise equipment for their pets with their own hands. The most common option is wooden running wheels. You can find many models of wooden exercise machines online. Most often, birch plywood or chipboard is used. Let's look at some designs.

Wooden running wheel

Model No. 1. Wooden running wheel

To make this model you will need the following materials and tools:

• plywood;
• Sander;
• double sided tape;
• rope;
• roulette;
• Miter saw;
• rollers;
• knife;
• rail;
• fasteners;
• bolts with nut;
• Dremel;
• pipes;
• bearing;
• glue;
• beam;
• pencil;
• carpet

Stage one . We will need two plywood circles with a diameter of 92-100 cm. We connect them together with bars.

Start of wheel production

Stage two. We glue the slats for the running drum around the circumference.

The process of making a running wheel requires some carpentry skills

Stage three. Cut out two semicircular platforms for the stand. For an open type of simulator, we make a rotation mechanism on a stand: we install two rollers on both sides, due to which the wheel will move.

The wheel runs on a bearing

Stage four. If you plan to make an open type of wheel, then the middle part of both plywood is cut out, and the mechanism is installed from below. All that remains is to glue the carpet to the inside. The wheel is ready. If you want to make a closed type, then cut out only one of the walls. To create a rotation mechanism, look at the following steps.

Stage five. The wheel rotates on an axle, which consists of a bolt with a bushing, so you need to increase the space for its installation. A square of plywood is glued to the back of the wall, and a decorative gear is placed on the front.

The gear can be cut out with a jigsaw or bought at a hardware store

Stage six. Let's make a stand from two boards, a support and bars for the stand. The boards themselves have pre-installed bearings.

Manufacturing and fastening of the wheel support

Stage seven. We make an internal path from carpet. You can attach it using double-sided tape or glue.

Carpet scraps can be purchased cheaply at the construction department.

Stage eight. A protective coating is applied to the finished simulator. Assembly is complete.

Model No. 2. Wooden running wheel with steel profile

There can be several variations of running wheels for cats

This version of the simulator assembly requires a welding machine. The manufacturing procedure is a little simpler than the previous one. To create a wheel you will need:

• steel profile;
• plywood;
• welding machine;
• boards;
• fasteners and wrench;
• jigsaw;
• bearings;
• wooden barrel;
• dye;
• wire;
• drill;
• roulette.

Stage one. First, the steel frame is welded: for this it is necessary to weld a rectangular steel frame onto which the wheel is attached. At a distance of 10 cm from the edge, weld a steel crossbar on the opposite side. Using a welding machine, weld two platforms for connection at the crossbar site at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees.

Stage two. The base for the running drum is round, so it is not easy to make it by hand. A wooden barrel is best suited for these purposes, but it is advisable to bolt its boards together in advance so that they do not fall apart. For the closed wall of the wheel, cut a plywood base. It should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel.

Stage three. Having dealt with the drum and the back wall, you can begin assembling the structure of the treadmill, painting the drum with paint in advance. We connect the bushing and the drum with bolts so that the wheel can rotate freely without deviation to the left or right.

Model No. 3. Running wheel based on a bicycle one

Bicycle wheel for cats

The running wheel, which operates like a bicycle wheel, can support the weight of two adult cats and can be installed on any surface. The wooden drum has a diameter of 100-110 cm. Using the same principle, you can make a metal wheel with your own hands using a welding machine.

Reliable design, but requires metal welding skills

Model No. 4. Cardboard running wheel

This version of a homemade simulator is the simplest and most economical; assembly takes much less time. To work you will need:

• corrugated cardboard;
• glue or double-sided tape;
• professional knife for cutting cardboard;
• scissors;
• a rag made of cotton fabric;
• carpet

Stage one. Cut out a rectangular area for the stand. Glue perpendicularly with three pieces of cardboard, curved under the wheel area. Pre-cut identical holes on the sides of the curved parts for the rollers, close the structure on both sides.

Cardboard blank

Stage two. Attach the roller to the sleeve on one side and push it through the holes in the structure, placing the bolts on the sleeve so that they come into contact with the cardboard. Put on the second video. Perform the same operation on the other side of the rack.

Connecting parts

Stage three. Prepare the covering surface of the structure by first wetting it with a wet cloth. Separate the skin of the cardboard from its main part. As a result, we get a soft surface that rests quietly on the edges of the structure, completely covering it from above.

We continue to work

Stage four. We cut out four identical rings with a diameter of 46 cm and a thickness of approximately 3-4 cm. Place the first pair of rings on top of each other and use the soft part of the separated corrugated cardboard, placing it along the entire inner diameter. Place the remaining pair of rings on top of the cardboard.

The work is moving towards completion

Stage five. We connect the resulting wheel to the stand and glue the carpet track with double-sided tape. The wheel is ready!

Video - Cardboard cat trainer

How to make a trainer yourself

There are many photos and videos with different DIY cat wheel options. This article will provide several step-by-step instructions.

Method one

This option will be quite difficult for craftsmen who have never cut into a bearing or installed rollers. More experienced craftsmen will be able to figure it out without difficulty, since photos are posted as tips.

To work you will need:

The sequence of actions can be divided into seven stages:

• Creating a foundation. Two circles of plywood with a radius of 46 cm are cut out, which will be the base of the wheel. They are connected to each other using bars.

• Manufacturing of slats. The slats are glued around the end part. For greater strength they are secured with straps.

• Installation on rollers. Two semicircular stands are equipped with two rollers on both sides, on which the running wheel will subsequently be installed. It is due to them that the simulator will rotate.

• Wall installation. Another circle is cut out of plywood and glued to the support. In the future, a bearing will be attached to it.

• Axle placement. Since the running wheel rotates on an axis consisting of a bolt with a bushing, to install it it is necessary to strengthen the insertion point. To do this, a plywood square is glued to the back side of the wall, and a gear is placed in front. A hole is drilled in the center.

• Making a stand. It is made from a support and bars made in the form of a rack. Two boards are fixed on it, into which bearings are installed.

• Gluing the track. A strip of carpet is cut along the width of the wheel. It should be glued with double-sided tape.

Method two

This option requires the presence of a welding machine, and the manufacturing algorithm is a little simpler than the previous one. To make a running wheel for cats with your own hands according to the instructions you will need:

The sequence of actions consists of three stages:

• Creating a frame on which the wheel will be attached. To do this, you need to weld a rectangular frame from a steel profile. Immediately on the long side, retreating 10 cm from the edge, weld the crossbar. Also attach two hinge posts to it through welding at an angle of 30-45 degrees.
• Making the running wheel itself. Cut off part of the barrel. To prevent the boards from falling apart, they need to be bolted together. Cut out the back wall for the drum from plywood. The circumference should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the narrow part of the barrel.
• Assembly of the structure. Attach the drum to the hinge so that it can rotate freely. This should be done so that the wheel rotates only forward and backward, and does not sway left and right.

Regardless of whether the running wheel for cats is made with your own hands or purchased from a specialized store, it must be securely fastened. This is important so that when the cat jumps, it does not knock over the structure and injure itself.

If the running wheel is made according to all recommendations and securely fixed in the house, you can be sure that it will become one of your mustachioed pet’s favorite places to spend active time.

Useful video on creating a cat wheel from cardboard:

How to train a cat to ride a wheel?

Don't expect your cat to spin a wheel all day long, like a hamster or a squirrel. The respiratory system of a cat is designed in such a way that it can withstand maximum load for 30-40 seconds. This is exactly how much it takes for a cat in the wild to catch its prey. They spend the rest of their time tracking and lying in wait for their prey. To understand the delights of running in wheel to wheel, the cat needs to get used to and examine the new furniture, not be afraid of the noise and movement of the wheel itself.

The first step is to move your games that you usually play to the area of ​​the wheel or to the room where it is located. Use a laser, mouse, bell, or other teaser to get your cat to step onto the treadmill several times. It will take 2-3 days to get used to the simulator. Hang the toy on the side of the drum, above the cat's reach. In pursuit of the toy, the cat will make several movements and the wheel will begin to rotate. If this works, then after 10-15 seconds let the cat take possession of the toy. If the cat gets scared of the wheel and jumps out of it, then you need to continue playing near the simulator without rewarding the cat with a toy.

Physical activity is extremely important for cats

Over time, your pet will get used to the wheel and playing inside it. Do not forget that at the end of the hunting game the cat must get what she wants. Veterinarians advise not to keep your cat constantly excited and to give it rest between games to regain its strength.

Cat trainer: video

It is worth noting that many Western cats have long appreciated the benefits of a healthy lifestyle. There, wheels for tailed animals have already become a fairly common thing. In Russia this is still a novelty, causing everyone’s surprise. However, this device will certainly be appreciated by all the most caring owners very soon. After all, this is not only the health of the cat, the apartment saved from destructive games, but also a very fun pastime. Just look how much they like it!

Sources:

https://vplate.ru/koshki/begovye-kolesa/ https://usatiki.ru/begovoe-koleso-dlya-koshek-svoimi-rukami/ https://ladynumber1.com/home/pets/begovoe-koleso- dlya-koshek.html