Running wheel for cats

Sometimes cats, on the contrary, begin to move less every day and lie lazily on the windowsill for days on end. This may indicate that the animal has adapted to the dimensions of human habitation and is used to suppressing the desire to run. In such cases, the pet is threatened with the appearance of excess weight and other problems associated with physical inactivity.

To help your pet and entertain him, you can purchase a special simulator for cats – a running wheel. It helps pets to always stay in great shape and get dopamine, a hormone necessary for the animal’s body, produced during active movement.

The most active cat breeds

The need for movement is one of the basic ones, and how strongly it is developed in a cat depends on the nature of a particular animal. However, there are cat breeds for which a wheel is practically necessary. These include Bengal cats, Manx cats, Devon Rex, Burmese cats, Munchkins (their legs are about two times shorter than those of ordinary cats, but, oddly enough, this does not affect running speed), Siberian cats, Japanese Bobtails, Abyssinians, Burmese and, of course, Siamese cats.

The owners of representatives of these breeds should take a closer look at the running wheel, because their pets will definitely enjoy it. By the way, outbred cats are also happy to play sports on this miracle simulator.

Running wheel for cats

What does it represent? Its design resembles those wheels that are often installed in cages for hamsters or squirrels. In European countries, this simulator for cats has long gained popularity, but it has recently appeared on the Russian market.

Now, in order to purchase a running wheel for a cat, it is not necessary to go to a special store. The device can be ordered online or assembled by yourself. And in the latter case, you can make a truly exclusive device, which can then be proudly demonstrated to guests.

How to assemble a running wheel for cats with your own hands?

In order to make a simulator on your own, it is very desirable that there is sufficient experience with the tool. If you decide to assemble the wheel yourself, you will need the following materials:

• boards;

• Wooden barrel;

• Plywood;

• Bearing;

• Nuts and bolts;

• Steel profile;

• Dye;

• Nylon thread, wire.

Photo from the page Arts and crafts fair

You will also need the following tools:

• Welding machine;

• Drill;

• Roulette;

• Pencil;

• Spanners;

• Sandpaper.

So, first you need to assemble the frame of the future simulator, on which the wheel will subsequently be installed. To do this, using welding and a steel profile, we make the base. Next, you need to weld the crossbar with racks that will hold the wheel.

After that, we proceed directly to the wheel. We make it from a barrel, cutting it with a hacksaw. Remember that several strips are also attached to it, which are needed to rotate the wheel. In this case, all structural elements must be fastened with bolts. The drum itself is attached to the hinges located in the center of the structure. At the same time, it must be leveled so that it does not cling to the base during rotation.

After everything is ready, the wheel must be attached with a wire to a stable, stationary object in the room.

Finally, it remains to interest the cat in innovation. For example, feline sprinters react vividly to a candy wrapper tied to a stick. The bait should hang from above, slightly away from the center of the wheel. Periodically change the side of its location, then the sports load on your pet’s body will be uniform.

Photo: Collection