Will A Cat Exercise Wheel Benefit My Indoor Cat?

Cats are known for finding the best sunbeams for napping, for keeping your feet warm at night and for having uncanny timing when glancing ironically at you. As cats age (indoor cats in particular), they exercise less and less, but all cats need exercise regardless of how old they are. According to PetMD, cats need to be engaged in “activity” for at least 15 minutes a day.

Why is Exercise Important for Cats?

Without daily exercise, not only do cats run the risk of becoming obese and of developing medical problems such as heart disease and muscle deterioration, but they also are at increased risk of developing feline depression and other psychological problems.

What is Considered Exercise for Cats?

Cat exercise is considered anything that gets cats moving outside of  their normal routine. The walk from the bed to the couch into the kitchen and back to the couch is not considered exercise . The kind of activity that merits exercise gets your cat’s heart rate up. So, when you play with your cat with their toys and they run, jump and scamper, they’re being active.

Although 15 minutes a day doesn’t sound like a lot in theory, it can be tough to keep up with a cat’s fitness needs if you are someone who works and travels often. This means cats need a way to exercise on their own for those times their parents can’t be there to play and get them moving. But how?

Have You Heard About Cat Exercise Wheels?

This is where the cat exercise wheel comes in (yes, it’s a real thing). Also sometimes called a cat hamster wheel, the cat exercise wheel created by One Fast Cat is a fun and safe piece of equipment that gets your kitty moving. Conceptually, the cat exercise wheel is just like a hamster wheel, but it is designed especially for cats.

What is a Cat Exercise Wheel?

The four–foot–diameter wheel sits on a sturdy platform that braces the wheel and allows it to roll in place. The tread is 10–inches wide, so your cat has enough room to jog without being at risk of falling off or of sustaining an injury. A foam/rubber material covers the tread your cat runs on, so that your cat has traction without the risk of claw-snagging.

How Does the Cat Exercise Wheel Work?

To use the cat exercise wheel, your cat just steps on the wheel and starts walking. Many owners use toys or treats as motivators to get their cat comfortable using it at first.  As your cat accelerates their pace, the wheel turns faster, prompting your cat to pick up speed. Cats will use the wheel multiple times throughout a day and often end up getting more than the requisite 15 minutes of fitness that they need to sustain good physical and mental health.

Exercise is an essential component for your cat’s overall health. Another important aspect of feline health is diet. A balanced diet of foods made with natural ingredients, like those recipes made by Wellness Pet Food.