A cat exercise wheel is an innovative device for cats. Cats may seem like the laziest animals in the world (next to the pandas or sloths) and you may think that the cat exercise wheel is not the best solution for your cat. However, they also require physical exercise to be healthy. Plus, you’ll be surprised at how many benefits exercise can give to your feline!
It will not only make your cat physically healthy, but it will also provide emotional benefits and prolong your cat’s life! However, introducing your cat to exercise may be a bit tricky especially if you are training an older feline. Worry no more as there are products on the market made to provide easier and happier training! Help your cat to abandon his sedentary lifestyle by giving him a cat exercise wheel.
You’ll be surprised, but there are not many cat wheels available on the market. Cat exercise wheels can be expensive to produce and may not be cost-effective for manufacturers. The design and construction of the wheels need to take into account the specific needs of cats, such as their weight and size, and the materials used must be durable enough to withstand regular use. This can drive up the cost of production, making it less appealing to manufacturers.
One major issue that contributes to the high price of cat wheels is the cost of shipping. Cat wheels are typically quite large and bulky, which can make them expensive to ship. This is a significant factor that drives up the overall cost of the product, making it less affordable for consumers as a result not really profitable for manufacturers.
Another potential issue related to shipping and the production of cat wheels is the lead time required for manufacturing. Because cat wheels are often made-to-order, manufacturers may not start production until after receiving an order from a customer. This can result in longer lead times for the production and delivery of the product, which may be frustrating for customers who are eager to receive their purchase in a timely manner.
Nevertheless, there are many options on the market, but some of them are not the greatest quality. We considered factors such as size, durability, materials, safety features, and price when creating this list.
These 7 cat exercise wheels are the best options to consider in 2023.
The Best Cat Exercise Wheels in 2023
Paws and Fish Cat Wheel
Paws and Fish Cat Wheel is my latest amazing cat wheel discovery because it’s both a cat wheel and a scratching board. My cats love running and scratching on this wheel.
One of the best things about this cat wheel is that it does not need to be installed and can be used right out of the box! Keep in mind, it’s “made-to-order”, which means long wait times but you won’t regret it.
This cat wheel, unlike many others I’ve tried, is well-built, not shaky, and spins smoothly. It features a sturdy design that can support cats up to 25 pounds, with a running surface made from a durable EVA foam material. My two big Bengal cats constantly run on this wheel.
Another great thing is that you can pick the actual size, e.g. M (medium-sized) for smaller cats and L (large-sized) for bigger breeds like Bengal. The medium-sized option measures 29.5 x 13.0 x 36.2 inches and can accommodate cats weighing not more than 15 lbs.
The large-sized cat exercise wheel measures 39.4 x 16.5 x 47.2 inches and can carry cats not more than 30 pounds. I ordered medium-sized wheel for my 17 lbs cat and it was a little small for her indeed but she still used it!
Also, I love that this cat wheel is designed to run quietly, which is a major selling point for cat owners who are worried about disturbing their neighbors or other pets in the house. In comparison to One Fast Cat Wheel, the difference is huge!
Here are some of the main features of the Paws and Fish Cat Wheel:
- Does not need to be assembled
- The material of the cat wheel is wood, sisal and a replaceable carpet.
- The wheel also doubles as a cat scratcher aside from being an exercise wheel.
- The inside and exterior of the wheel are both lined with sisal carpet.
- Quiet bearing and ultra-quiet running.
Pros
The entire cat wheel is sturdy and secure as its base made with durable materials. The design is nice and cute and I’m assuming it’s one of the reasons why cat owners prefer this cat wheel over One Fast even though it’s more expensive. Also, I really like that they offer the cat wheels in different sizes so you have more options depending on your cat’s needs.
Finally, the Paws and Fish Cat Wheel is designed with safety in mind and has several features to help prevent injuries to cats while they’re using the wheel, e.g. solid running surface, sturdy construction and fully enclosed design.
Cons
I have been using this wheel for over a year and it’s hard to find any downsides so far. The long delivery time is probably the biggest drawback, but it’s so worth it. You can check the best price for Paws and Fish Cat Wheel here.
One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel
I have been using One Fast cat wheel for a while and it’s been #1 on the list for a while until I discovered Paws and Fish. If you are looking for a sturdy and reliable option for a cat exercise wheel for 2023, then you have to consider buying the One Fast Cat Exercise Running Wheel. Unlike many other cat wheels I tried, this treadmill is well-constructed, not wobbly, and spins well.
One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel is made of selected material and ABS plastic that makes it sturdy and safe. Constructed by durable materials, the wheel is light yet strong. On the other hand, the baseboard is strengthened with battens, made to be heavier to allow galloping speed of active cats. To summarize some of the features:
- Wheel is designed for all cats of all sizes (not to exceed 22 pounds)
- Perfect for indoor cats
- 30-day refund policy (in case you and your cat did not like it)
- Made of 100% recycled plastics
- Extremely fair price (check on the official website only, there are many resellers who mark up the price)
Pros
Some Cat Exercise Wheels are not built to handle the most active cats. Fortunately, the One Fast Cat Exercise Running Wheel is different because it is constructed to accommodate almost all cats. The rollers in the base make the wheel balanced so it will not come off when bumped or when at a galloping speed. I have three Bengals, about 12 lbs each, and it perfectly works for them at that size/weight.
This cat wheel is highly recommended for indoor cats to overcome their sedentary lifestyle. The One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel recognizes the importance of physical and mental training in developing a happy and healthy lifestyle for indoor cats.
If you want a treadmill that will be easily integrated into your home, this cat exercise wheel makes it achievable for you. Simple but classy, the wheel will not be too colorful nor too plain to be in your home.
Also, the price is extremely fair. Most of the cat wheels on the markets cost more than $500, which is pretty steep! Check the current price on the official website and order from the official website only to avoid scams, markups and be protected under proper return policy and warranty.
Cons
There are some major downsides to mention. I know many cat owners bought this cat wheel for oversized cats and it does not seem to be safe and it gets wobbly. They even recommend the max weight of 22lbs, but I’d say no more than 20lbs.
The second downside of this product is the assembly aspect. It might sound like a ridiculous point but it’s the major concern of many cat owners. When I searched it, I was surprised at how many people had issues assembling it on their own. Just like other cat exercise wheels, I find it difficult to assemble. Thankfully, the instructions were clear enough to teach step-by-step directions.
However, if something goes wrong with the wheel, there are some reviews that say the company will blame it on faulty assembly.
Third, It’s very very big and they don’t have different sizes. If you decide to purchase One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel make sure to double-check the dimensions and decide whether it fits your space properly.
I have to mention the major downsides from other cat owners regarding One Fast Cat Wheel. While I mentioned, it was sturdy for my 12lbs cats, others say it is not as sturdy as other models out there and I tend to agree, especially compared to Paws and Fish cat wheel. While the One Fast Cat wheel is designed to support cats up to 22lbs in weight, some customers have reported that the wheel can wobble or shake during use, which can be concerning for both cats and owners from a safety perspective.
Also, the wheel can be quite loud while in use, which can be a problem for owners who are worried about disturbing neighbors or other pets in the house.
Also, some cat owners have noted that the running surface of the wheel is smaller than they expected, which can be a problem for larger cats or cats that prefer wider surfaces to run on.
Finally, the materials are not as high quality and not replaceable compared to Paws and Fish cat wheel.
Overall, One Fast Cast is a good option available on the market within its price range. Check the current price on the official website and avoid resellers.
Penn-Plax Wheeled 35-in Sisal Cat Tree
Penn-Plax Spin Cat Tree is a two-in-one product that combines a cat tree and an exercise wheel. This ideal cat gear if you don’t have a lot of space at home.
This cat exercise wheel is designed for cats who do not weigh more than 15lbs. The wheel is 20 inches by 6.5 inches in diameter, and the overall unit measures 20 inches by 35.75 inches by 35 inches.
The Penn-Plax Spin Cat Tree also features the following:
- Two-tiered cat tree comes with 3 removable soft resting pads
- Seven-inch hole gives your cat a fun place to hang out.
- Wheel that is coated on both sides with a sisal carpet and has three built in sisal scratching posts.
Pros
For cat owners with minimal space at home, this exercise wheel with a cat tree included is worth buying. Among the other exercise wheels in the market, this one is more fun for cats since the wheel is connected to the cat tree which makes it more entertaining for cats.
You can also purchase just the wheel which can accommodate cats up to 20lbs and measures 29.5 inches by 13 inches by 35.8 inches.
Cons
This cat exercise wheel is not for large breeds as it can only accommodate cats up to 15lbs and the wheel is a bit narrow. My Bengal cat loved it though. She was able to use it and was able to get used to it in no time.
Overall, Penn-Plax Wheeled 35-in Sisal Cat Tree is a good investment but it’s better for small cats. If you have a medium or large Paws and Fish cat wheel is way better option. You can check out more about Penn-Plax on Amazon.
ZYDDNH Cat Exercise Wheel
The ZYDDNH Cat Running Wheel is another cat exercise wheel I tried. It is composed of wood and has robust rotating wheels for long-term use. ZYBBNH Cat Exercise Wheels come in several different sizes that claim accommodate cats up to 200lbs (haha). Some of the additional qualities of this cat running wheel are as follows:
- It is made of wood and is quite solid.
- The large and sturdy rotating wheel provides plenty of room for running.
- In the bottom shaft, there is a silent pulley design, and this exercise wheel has an effective silent design.
Pros
I love that this one is made of wood instead of plastic, unlike the other cat exercise wheel that I have tried. It is aesthetically pleasing and actually adds beauty to your home.
The fact that it comes in many sizes and price points it gives you the option to pick the perfect fit for your cat and your space.
Assembling ZYDDNH Cat Exercise Wheel is also easy compared to the other ones I have tried. The unit came with complete parts and screws.
Cons
What I dislike about this cat training wheel is that the area where the track meets the rollers on the exterior of the wheel is not completely smooth, causing each slat to bounce as the wheel is turned.
Some reviews claim that the quality is not as good as some of the other on this list. It’s important to do your research and read reviews when deciding which option is right for you and your cat.
Overall, this is a nice cat exercise wheel with some nice size option but in my opinion, it’s too overpriced for the quality.
Hoiru Cat Wheel
NOTE: Unfortunately, Hoiru cat wheel is discontinued at this moment
The Hoiru Cat Wheel, no doubt, is a great choice but extremely expensive (usually costs over $1500). It is a top-end cat exercise machine that can easily make any of your cat’s playpen look luxurious. While checking out some stuff for my cat and I caught a glimpse of this particular cat wheel at a shop one day and I instantly fell in love with it. I have never seen this type of cat wheel anywhere; the aesthetics are very different from regular cat wheels. I asked around the shop and found out that the owners were Japanese and they imported this brand directly from Japan. Unfortunately, this cat wheel is discontinued at this moment but you can buy it from private owners only in a used condition.
It is surely suitable for any breed of cats, and it’s quite easy to assemble compared to others that are on this list.
Petring Cat Wheel
NOTE: Due to supply problems during COVID-19, this cat wheel is not available for sale. You might see some private listings for cat wheels on Amazon or Ebay, that are extremely overpriced by resellers. Be careful!
If you want your cat to stay active and at the same time scratch their nails then the Petring cat exercise wheel should be your choice! This cat wheel has a few different size options and is suitable for cats up to 15-19kg depending on the size. The noise level measure at an average of 45 dB. Some of the main features of this cat wheel include:
- 1200mm wheel and with the 300mm wheel width, 2 cats can run and jump around
- Made of ABS material for safety, noise reduction and easy cleaning
- Easy to wash carpet material
- C2 model has an All-in-One module feature
Pros
- Lovely stylish design making rooms still look good
- My cat can freely move because of the spacious wheel design
Cons
- Must buy the C2 model if cat becomes bored easily
- Must check with the seller if the model is 110 or 220 volts
- Cannot dry this with a dryer/blower
It is easy to remove the fur on the carpet/cat scratcher. There was a time my cat peed on it and good thing that I managed to remove the smell. Drying it was no big deal since it will air dry in less than a day. The cat can stay active and burn many calories! You can even check it with these activity monitors.
The color and the carpet of this indoor cat exercise wheel made me want to place it on my living room like a piece of furniture. The wheel’s large for my small cat which is good since it will help with his weight loss, but I am not sure if large cat breeds can run/play on it well.
Neko-Cat Tree Small Cat Exercise Wheel
This small cat exercise wheel is good for bored cats since they can scratch their claws on the non-irritating exercise surface a.k.a. the cat-tree. This is an ideal leisure toy for sensitive cats. Let’s go over the main features:
- Environmentally safe natural sisal rope making your cat stay away from furniture
- Non-irritating and smooth plush surface
- Durable and stable square base that can hold more than one cat
Pros
- No lint
- A cardboard cat exercise wheel made of high-quality materials: Durable particleboard, large cardboard tube and sisal rope
Cons
- Might be less stable if placed near the dining room, kitchen or bathroom since the materials are not made of strong grade plastic
- Not for the average-sized cat
Compatibility
- Fit for cats under 15 kg.
- Product size: 61 x 29 x 58cm, 73 x 36 x 70cm
Conclusion On These Cat Exercise Wheels
Cat Exercise Wheels are not new to the market, but they were unknown to many cat owners until now. Still, it is a great addition to your cat’s training or the best way to start your cat’s physical exercise. Due to the various cat wheels available in the market, it may be quite confusing to buy the best one. Always keep in mind to prioritize your cat’s safety and the product’s durability! My personal favorite on this list is Paws and Fish Cat Wheel (check the current price here). I bought it two years ago and it works perfectly with no problems at all.
I am surprised why it’s only a few options for cat exercise wheels on the market… I used the one fast one but it collapsed so I am quite disappointed. Thank you for listing the other options, I’ll check them out but the Climbing Cat Exercise Running Wheel seems to be out of stock tho
ZiggyDo really should be added to this. For those in the know, it’s the stable and safe one out there. Pricey, but solid. I have one so it’s not just hearsay.
I tried their cat wheel, it’s okay indeed however I can’t say it’s way better than Paws&Fish or One Fast. At the same time, it’s extremely overpriced and very long delivery time. It simply did not make the list
An important note about the ZiggyDo is that it’s BIG — so if you have a large cat or Maine Coon, this is what you want to help your cat’s spine!
I use the One Fast Cat Exercise Wheel, It is the only one that is safe for your cat. It is large enough for a cat to run at full speed without harming your cat’s back. All the wood wheels have much smaller diameters, One Fast Cat Wheel is 48″ in Diameter, and the others are around 38″ or less, that’s dangerous. The carpet on the wood wheels is also concerning. If a cat’s nail is snagged on the carpet it will rip the claw out. I am unsure how you are recommending anything that does not have a safe size diameter and anything that uses carpet.