How do I determine if the cat wheel is a good idea for my cat?
There are three factors to keep in mind when considering the wheel for your cat:
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Cat Exercise Wheel
How do you get cats to use it?
Training is key! Unlike mice, cats don’t have an instinctive urge to run on a wheel and aren’t likely to just hop on and go. Using treats or toys, you’ll want to slowly encourage your cat to approach the wheel, then get on it, and then start walking.
How quickly will a cat learn to use the wheel?
Every cat is unique, and training time will vary depending on their energy level, interest, responsiveness, and the consistency of the training. On average, training typically takes 2-3 weeks for cats that have no prior experience with a wheel. Stubb
What kind of cat breeds can take to the wheel?
Any breed of cat can take to the wheel! Active breeds like bengals, sphynxes, and savannahs will often take to it the fastest, but we’ve seen plenty of other cats use it too, from Munchkins to Ragdolls to mixed breed cats and rescues. It isn’t so muc
My cat is big—like 20 lbs big! Will my cat fit on the wheel?
The wheel is designed to hold up to 25 lbs, so it can accommodate most big cats. Exceeding this weight limit is likely to cause faster wear on parts and may compromise the base’s integrity. This item is not intended for use by larger pets or by child
Do I have to assemble the wheel?
The wheel ships unassembled, but assembly is easy and straightforward, with no special tools needed. You can find out assembly video here, and if you scroll down to the bottom of the page you can also download a copy of the written instructions to ge
How do I assemble the wheel?
We have an assembly video here that will give you a quick overview of the steps. For more detailed instructions, read and follow the steps below. Please note that these instructions apply to the Generation 6 Wheel ONLY. While some of these steps may
Will an overweight cat use the wheel? Will they lose weight?
Heavier-set cats can definitely use the wheel as long as they are under the weight limit. It may take a little more effort to get them using the wheel, especially if they have a lower energy level than most cats. The key is in the training and making
Can a declawed cat use the wheel? What about a blind cat, or a tripod?
Yes, a declawed cat can use and enjoy the wheel just fine! The traction pads on the inner surface provide all the grip a cat could need, claws or no. As for tripods and blind cats, they can take to a wheel just as well as any other. You may need to a
Can dogs use the exercise wheel?
While the wheel hasn’t been officially tested with dogs, we’ve definitely seen some small breeds using it! Since they tend to run harder than cats, we don’t recommend allowing dogs over 15 lbs to try it out. You may also see parts wear down faster.
What do I do if my cat is afraid of the wheel?
If your cat is too spooked by the wheel to go near it, try bringing it down to their level. Take it off the base and lay it on its side on the floor, and give your cat some time to approach it and get used to it. You can even use some toys or treats
Are there any alternate pad material options?
With our latest Gen (Gen 7), we've introduced a new type of traction pad offering (felt) in addition to our standard EVA foam pads. The felt is a good compromise between function and durability—while it doesn't have as much cushioning as the EVA foam
Do you sell replacement parts for the Cat Exercise Wheel?
We do! You can find all of our available replacement parts here. Please note that while we do our best to continue providing support for discontinued generations of wheels for as long as possible, we aren't able to stock older parts indefinitely. Som
Will the wheel work on carpet?
We recommend a hard surface for the wheelbase for optimum stability; tile, wood, linoleum, or concrete is best. However, the wheel will also usually work well with thinner or low pile carpet. If the wheel needs to be in a room with soft or thick carp
My new wheel is squeaking!
Don't worry, this is normal. It is caused by the contact between the brand-new rubber of the inline wheels and the plastic rims of the big wheel. While it is more common with the clear plastic of the LED inline wheels, it can happen with the solid bl
My wheel is wobbling, how do I fix that?
Some wobble is normal, as the wheel is a tall, lightweight, and relatively narrow item balanced entirely at its base. However, an unstable base can exacerbate the wobble. If your wheel is on thick carpet or an unlevel surface, move it to an area wher
Can I return the wheel if my cat won't use it?
Certainly! We allow returns in the first 60 days. To initiate a return, visit our returns portal here. You will need to disassemble the wheel and ship it back in the original box. If the pads have been used (and we understand that they probably have
How do I determine what generation my wheel is?
Need to determine your wheel generation so you know which type of traction pads to buy? There are three ways to narrow down what wheel style you have:. If you cannot determine your generation using the techniques above, please email [email protected]
Is the wheel noisy? What does it sound like?
The sound of the wheel will vary depending on which generation you have, but the overall sound level has remained consistent over the different models. Most customers describe the noise level as being similar to a room fan running at a medium setting
Can the cat wheel be disassembled?
The cat wheel can be disassembled, but it takes more time and effort to take apart than it does to put together, and you'll need to remove the traction pads first (which means you'll need a replacement set if you plan on re-assembling the wheel later
How do I disassemble the wheel?
Disassembly will depend on the generation of wheel that you have. Gen 1 Wheels:. These wheels do not come apart easily, and are prone to breaking if you attempt it. If at all possible, we recommend avoiding disassembling them. If you absolutely need
Where is your cat wheel made?
We make all of our wheels right here in our Camarillo facility in California, with our own injection-molding machines. When you purchase a wheel from us, you're getting USA-made quality—not an undersized, imported knock-off.
Does the Cat Exercise Wheel come with the base?
If you purchase one of our Cat Exercise Wheels, all parts that you need for set-up (which includes the base) are included. While we do sell a base kit separately under the parts section of our site, this listing is only for individuals who need a rep
Can I return the wheel if the pads have been used?
Absolutely! In order to try out the wheel properly, you'll want to apply the pads to it. With that in mind, there is no penalty if you return a wheel with used pads. In fact, if the pads have been used, you can just peel them off and toss them out—th
Does the Gen 7 wheel come with wheel covers?
Since the inline wheels of the Gen 7 exercise wheel are integrated into the plastic of the base, wheel covers are not compatible with this model. We do not make, include, or sell wheel covers for Gen 7 wheels and previous generation covers will not w
Does the Cat Exercise Wheel have a lock or brake to keep it from moving?
No, the Cat Exercise Wheel does not have a lock to stop it from spinning. However, if you want to limit when your cat can use the wheel, it's very easy to DIY a lock for it. All you need is a thicker piece of cardboard or a thickly-folded wedge of pa
Do cats have a preference for felt over foam, or vice versa?
Not that we've noticed, or at least, not in a generalized sense. All cats are different, with their own unique personalities and preferences, so some of them might very well prefer the feel of the felt, or the feel of the foam, and it's not something
Does the Cat Exercise Wheel come with pads for the outside?
With the Gen 7 wheel, we now offer Outer Wheel pads in black and grey felt options. Please note that these pads are purely for aesthetic purposes. They are not intended to allow your cat to climb or walk on the exterior of the wheel, and we do not en
Will the Outer Wheel Pads work for older generation wheels?
The Outer Wheel pads are made and sized specifically for the Gen 7 model, and will not fit any previous versions. The center tracks of the Gen 7 model have a smooth, flat back that the pads can easily adhere to. Older models have raised lines crisscr
Do you make Outer Pads for the older wheel models?
No, we do not. Because all of the older models had raised lines running crisscross along the backs of the center tracks, they are not compatible with outer pads. The pads will not be able to stick well, and will likely fall off over time. They will a
Do you have a training video for the Cat Exercise Wheel?
We do! You can check it out under our tutorial page here.
Are international orders eligible for 60 day free returns?
International orders (and orders shipped outside the the 48 contiguous United States, such as Alaska or Hawaii) are eligible for return within 60 days of purchase, but we are not able to provide free return shipping for them. That means that if you a
Can I change the speed of the cat exercise wheel?
If you have an older model (Gen 1-6), the speed of the wheel can be adjusted by tightening or loosening the bolts that hold the inline wheels on the base. Tightening the bolts will increase resistance and slow the wheel down; loosening the bolts redu
What can I use to lubricate the inline wheels?
Unless the wheel is being used outside, or unless your cat frequently sprays the area with the inline wheels, you probably won't need to worry about relubricating them very often. However, it never hurts to do it every once in a while, especially if
What do the Outer Wheel Pads do?
The Outer Wheel pads perform a purely cosmetic role on the Cat Exercise Wheel. These are felt pads that you can stick to the smooth backs of the center tracks that make up the body of the wheel to hide the bare plastic. They are entirely optional, an
Where can I buy new traction pads?
Current pads starting to show their age? You can purchase a new set of traction pads here. More info on pad replacement sets:. Printed EVA foam traction pads are softer and use the same material that is on the bottom of your running shoes. They provi
Will an older cat use the wheel? Is it safe for seniors?
The wheel is safe for senior kitties to use, and giving them an outlet to stay active can be a great way to keep them healthy and fit in their twilight years. However, just bear in mind that senior cats may have less energy and may be less open to tr
How clean does the wheel need to be for a return?
If you are returning the wheel, please wipe off any dust or fur that is sticking to the parts to make the recycling process easier. Please remove the traction pads as best you can, but don't worry if you cannot get them entirely off or if any adhesiv