A cat exercise wheel is a large wheel that a cat either runs on or walks on for exercise or play. A cat wheel looks like a large

hamster wheel A hamster wheel or running wheel is an exercise device used primarily by hamsters and other rodents, but also by other cursorial animals when given the opportunity. Most of these devices consist of a runged or ridged wheel held on a stand by a ...

: the wheel turns from the weight of the

cat The cat (''Felis catus'') is a domestic species of small carnivorous mammal. It is the only domesticated species in the family Felidae and is commonly referred to as the domestic cat or house cat to distinguish it from the wild members of ...

. A wheel can be used for

enrichment Enrichment may refer to: * Behavioral enrichment, the practice of providing animals under managed care with stimuli such as natural and artificial objects * Data enrichment, appending or enhancing data with relevant context from other sources, se ...

or to exercise high energy indoor cats. The wheels are generally 120 cm in diameter, with a depth of 25 cm. There are several pioneering brands, such as Cat One Fast and Tirica Wheels.

Indoor cats

Many cats are kept in homes or small apartments, and they do not have opportunities to run in the outdoors or burn off extra fat. In addition, overweight cats may develop diseases such as

diabetes Diabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased ...

. A cat wheel can assist cats in burning extra calories. Activity and play is good for cats. Playing will help keep an indoor cat's body toned and keep its mind active. Because cats are traditionally not walked on a leash or let outside, they can become obese without enrichment and exercise. Cats love challenges that stimulate their minds and bodies and it helps keep behavioural issues at bay.

References

External links

Article from ASPCA's Virtual Pet Behaviorist on cat toys

Opportunities, prerequisites, pros and cons
(in German)
Hazards of cat toys
(ASPCA) {{DEFAULTSORT:Cat exercise wheel Cat behavior Cat equipment Play (activity) Toys Animal welfare Wheels

Indoor cats

See also

References

External links