The Best Cat Exercise Wheels: Reviewed and Ranked

Written by Austin S.
Updated: February 7, 2023
© Photography by Adri/Shutterstock.com

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Cats are naturally energetic animals (when they’re not enjoying a luxurious cat nap), and they love exercising to burn off energy by chasing birds, rats, squirrels, etc. But inside they may not get as much exercise as they need. Without exercise, your cat is at risk of obesity. Overweight cats have a much higher chance of dying earlier than lean cats. Exercise also promotes mental and emotional health. It can prevent behavior problems, depression, and aggression.

One of the ways to ensure your cat gets the exercise they need is to get them an exercise wheel. Cat exercise wheels should be at least 40 inches in diameter to ensure comfort and safety for your cat. If your cat uses a wheel that is too small, it can cause spinal issues and other injuries.

In this review, we’ve considered the best cat exercise wheels for your cat and included a section on what you need to look for. We chose the best four cat exercise wheels based on dimensions, description, and admittedly sparse reviews. We believe that there are so few reviews of these products due to the fact that they are quite costly, they are not “essential” items, and they do take up quite a bit of room in your home.

  1. Apsaras Cat Exercise Wheel for Indoor Cats
    • Large wheel with a 42.5-inch diameter.
    • The inner track is lined with a polyester velvet fabric for traction and protection.
    • You can lock the wheel when you want quiet time.
    • Wheel spins in both directions.
    Check Amazon
  2. Cat Wheel Exerciser for Indoor Cats
    • Comes in several different colors.
    • Strong and sturdy, made with birch wood and silent running tracks.
    • Equipped with a lock to keep the wheel from spinning at night.
    • Lined with sisal rugs for traction.
    Check Amazon
  3. Star Cat Wheel Cat Treadmill
    • There is a moving fish that "swims" along the middle of the track for cats to chase.
    • It is made of safe, eco-friendly birch wood.
    • The wheel is extra large, measuring 47.2 inches in diameter.
    • It is whisper-quiet.
    Check Amazon
  4. Cat Exercise Wheel Indoor Treadmill with Carpeted Cat Runway
    • It has a wide base with a large, concave wheel to prevent any gaps.
    • The switch lock function allows you to control when your kitten can use the wheel.
    • There is a special fixed piece for increased weight-bearing and extra stability.
    • It has an odorless and pet-friendly varnish that makes it water-resistant and gives it a durable finish.
    Check Amazon

Top Picks: The Best Cat Exercise Wheel Today

#1 Best Overall: Apsaras Cat Exercise Wheel for Indoor Cats

Our pick for the best overall cat exercise wheel is the Apsaras Cat Exercise Wheel for Indoor Cats. This cat wheel is solid, sturdy, and can support cats weighing up to 45 pounds.

The Apsaras Cat Exercise Wheel allows your cat to run, jog, or walk in either direction. This wood exercise wheel has a wide base to keep it well-balanced. The wheel measures 42.5 inches in diameter, with a track that measures 10.9 inches wide. With the added base, the whole thing is 45.5 inches tall, 16.25 inches wide, and 42.5 inches long. This makes it a great choice for different sizes of cats.

The inside of the wheel has a polyester velvet fabric lining, giving your cat traction and protecting their paws. There is also a lock on the wheel for when you don’t want your cats using it.

The wheel comes with step-by-step instructions and typically takes about 30 to 45 minutes to put together. It comes in a relatively small box (although it is heavy) with bubble packs. You may want to use a power drill or electric screwdriver, however, as there are over 80 screws to assemble the wheel. Customers reported that it does take quite a bit to put it together, but once assembled, the cat wheel worked great.

Pros and Cons of the Apsaras Cat Exercise Wheel for Indoor Cats

ProsCons
Cats can run, jog, or walk in either direction.This wheel must be assembled from the ground up, so it can take quite a bit of time and effort to get it ready to go.
This wheel is made from wood and has a solid and sturdy construction.There are over 80 screws, so you will probably want to use a power drill or electric screwdriver.
The inner track of the wheel is lined with a polyester velvet fabric for traction and protection.The package the wheel arrives in is pretty heavy.
It has a base included that helps to keep the wheel well-balanced.
The wheel is large, measuring 42.5 inches in diameter and 10.9 inches wide.
You can lock the wheel for when don’t want your cats playing on it or it’s quiet time.
It comes with step-by-step instructions.
The box it arrives in is much smaller than the finished product.
Best Overall
Apsaras Cat Exercise Wheel for Indoor Cats
  • Large wheel with a 42.5-inch diameter.
  • The inner track is lined with a polyester velvet fabric for traction and protection.
  • You can lock the wheel when you want quiet time.
  • Wheel spins in both directions.
Check Amazon

2. Great Home Décor Option: Cat Wheel Exerciser for Indoor Cats

If you’re looking for a cat wheel to match your interior decorating, check out this Cat Wheel Exerciser for Indoor Cats. It comes in several different colors (black, green, natural, pink, and white), so you can choose one to match your house!

Made of birch wood, this Cat Wheel Exerciser for Indoor Cats is very strong. It also uses a special combination of silent running tracks and sturdy wood. A handful of customers reported that the sound still bothered them, but others said that if placed on carpet or a rug, it made minimal noise.

The wheel itself measures 39.37 inches in diameter, and the inner track of the wheel is lined with sisal rugs. This gives your cat traction and provides them with a place to scratch. The wheel also has a lock, so you can keep your cats from running on it in the middle of the night.

The overall product measures 42.28 inches by 14.37 inches by 39.37 inches. However, the only downside is that this wheel does take some time to put together. Customers reported that the instructions were rather vague, and you may want to use a power drill or electric screwdriver.

Pros and Cons of the Cat Wheel Exerciser for Indoor Cats

ProsCons
This wheel comes in several different color options.A few customers didn’t like the noise of the wheel, but most said it was silent or made minimal noise.
It is strong and sturdy. The wheel is made of birch wood and has silent running tracks.The wheel takes a few hours to assemble, the instructions are vague, and you may want to use a power drill or electric screwdriver to save time.
The wheel is 39.37 inches in diameter.
It is lined with sisal rugs on the inside of the wheel.
There is a locking mechanism so you can choose when to let your cats run on the wheel.
Great Home Décor Option
Cat Wheel Exerciser for Indoor Cats
  • Comes in several different colors.
  • Strong and sturdy, made with birch wood and silent running tracks.
  • Equipped with a lock to keep the wheel from spinning at night.
  • Lined with sisal rugs for traction.
Check Amazon

3. Best Splurge: Star Cat Wheel Cat Treadmill

If you want to level up your cat’s exercise wheel, try the Star Cat Wheel Cat Treadmill. This unique cat exercise wheel has moving fish built right into the track, keeping your cat entertained for hours. One of the fish even glows in the dark!

The Star Cat Wheel is made with eco-friendly birch wood that has been tested for safety. It has an extra-large wheel, measuring 47.2 inches in diameter. The track is also extra wide (15.7 inches) with a soft, resilient, water-resistant carpet. In addition, this wheel is an excellent choice for large cats, since it can support up to 176 pounds!

This wheel is designed to be extra quiet, with a special bottom for ventilation and silent heels. However, if you want to give your cat some quiet time, there are also locking pins to keep the wheel from moving. You can easily store these in the storage holes of the wheel.

The cat wheel has two “rings”, both of which come in one solid piece! That means the shipping box is a bit bigger, but there are no brackets or parts that could make it noisy. Instead, you’ll have one smooth surface rolling on the wheels, making this cat wheel whisper-quiet! It is extremely well-balanced and runs smoothly.

The wood is UV-coated and cleans easily. Assembly is also fairly simple. It comes with instructions, but there is also a very helpful online video that makes it much easier and quicker. However, the company suggests having two people put the wheel together.

The only downside to this cat exercise wheel is the price. It is much more expensive than the other options on our list, but if you want to spoil your cat, this is a great pick!

Pros and Cons of the Star Cat Wheel Cat Treadmill

ProsCons
The inside of the wheel has a tube with fish that move back and forth along the track to keep your cat entertained and encourage them to run and chase.This wheel is much more expensive than the other options.
This wheel is made with high-quality and eco-friendly birch wood that has been tested for safety.The company suggests having more than one person to put the wheel together.
The inner track is extra wide, measuring 15.7 inches in diameter.
This is an extra-large cat wheel with a diameter of 47.2 inches.
It is is also lined with soft, resilient, water-resistant carpet.
Cats of nearly every size can use this wheel; it can support up to 176 pounds.
This wheel has a special ventilation bottom and silent heels, making it super quiet.
There are also locking pins to keep the wheel from moving when needed, and the pins store easily right inside the wheel.
The two “rings” of the wheel come in one solid piece without brackets or extra parts, giving the wheel one solid surface.
This wheel is extremely well-balanced and runs smoothly.
The wood is UV-coated and easy to clean.
There is a video with easy-to-understand instructions.
Best Splurge
Star Cat Wheel Cat Treadmill
  • There is a moving fish that "swims" along the middle of the track for cats to chase.
  • It is made of safe, eco-friendly birch wood.
  • The wheel is extra large, measuring 47.2 inches in diameter.
  • It is whisper-quiet.
Check Amazon

4. Good for Kittens: Cat Exercise Wheel Indoor Treadmill with Carpeted Cat Runway

The Cat Exercise Wheel Indoor Treadmill with Carpeted Cat Runway is a good option if you are looking for a cat exercise wheel for small kittens. This wheel has a smaller diameter (35.4 inches) so it is too small for adult cats, but can be used for kittens.

This cat exercise wheel features a wide base with a large, concave wheel. Its design creates safety and helps to prevent any gaps that might catch your kitten’s feet. It also comes with a fixed piece for increased weight-bearing and stability. There is also a switch lock function for safety and security, allowing you to control how much time your kitten is on the wheel. The inner track is 11.8 inches wide and is lined with carpet for traction and to protect your kitten’s paws. However, it is wise to make sure that your kitten’s nails are trimmed before they use this wheel. Their nails can get caught in the carpet, and young kittens are not always equipped with the skills to know what to do it.

It is made from non-toxic solid wood, with an odorless and pet-friendly varnish that makes it water-resistant and gives it a durable finish. In addition, this wheel is easy to put together. The package comes with detailed instructions, images, and all the parts and accessories you need.

Pros and Cons of the Cat Exercise Wheel Indoor Treadmill with Carpeted Cat Runway

ProsCons
This is a good size for kittens, with a diameter of 35.4 inches and a track width of 11.8 inches.This cat exercise wheel is best suited for only kittens.
It has a wide base with a large, concave wheel to prevent any gaps.You may need to trim your kitten’s nails before letting them run on the wheel.
There is a special fixed piece for increased weight-bearing and extra stability.
The inner track is lined with carpet for traction and protection.
There is also a switch lock function that allows you to control when your kitten can use the wheel.
The wheel is made from non-toxic solid wood.
It comes with detailed instructions, images, and parts for easy installation.
It has an odorless and pet-friendly varnish that makes it water-resistant and gives it a durable finish.
Good for Kittens
Cat Exercise Wheel Indoor Treadmill with Carpeted Cat Runway
  • It has a wide base with a large, concave wheel to prevent any gaps.
  • The switch lock function allows you to control when your kitten can use the wheel.
  • There is a special fixed piece for increased weight-bearing and extra stability.
  • It has an odorless and pet-friendly varnish that makes it water-resistant and gives it a durable finish.
Check Amazon

Choosing the Best Cat Exercise Wheel: What To Look For

There are a lot of cat exercise wheels with various prices available online, and each manufacturer claims their products are the best. But the real question is, how do you choose the best exercise wheel for your cat? We’ve come up with a few things you should look for when you want to buy a cat exercise wheel, such as the dimensions, material, noise, space requirements, and cost.

Dimensions

Product size is the most important thing you need to consider when buying your cat exercise wheel. You don’t want to get a wheel your cat can’t fit in. In addition, if the wheel is not large enough for your cat to comfortably use, it can cause spinal issues for your kitty. Before you purchase a cat exercise wheel, measure your cat’s length, height, and weight to make sure the wheel is a good fit for them.

Material

You will also want to consider the material a wheel is made of before purchasing the product. The material a wheel is made of contributes mainly to its durability. We recommend a wood-made wheel over a plastic-made wheel for strength and durability, especially if you have a large cat.

Noise

While a few manufacturers pay attention to reducing noise during usage, others don’t. You don’t want to get a noisy exercise wheel for your cat that is going to drive you nuts. It will only inconvenience you whenever your cat tries to have fun, and it may even scare your cat.

Space Requirements

Before you go out and buy a cat exercise wheel for your pet, make sure you know where you are going to put it in your home. You should make sure that the location of the wheel is accessible for your cat and can fit safely in the room. These wheels do have a large space requirement.

Cost

When it comes to buying a cat exercise wheel, consider your budget. Cat wheels are bit a more pricey than other cat accessories. However, there’s no need to break the bank — you can still find a great wheel at an affordable price. Or if you have the money, you can always splurge on your precious fur-baby.

Training Your Cat to Use a Cat Exercise Wheel

Every cat is different, so it’s hard to say if they will enjoy using an exercise wheel, or how long it may take them to get used to it. Helping your cat become familiar with their new exercise wheel takes patience and lots of positive reinforcement. Always let your cat go at their own pace — if you push them too quickly, they can easily become discouraged or even frightened of the wheel. Here are a few tips to help your cat use an exercise wheel:

  1. Place the cat exercise wheel somewhere where your cat enjoys being (and where there are no loud noises) and simply leave it there for a few days. This allows your cat to see the wheel and familiarize themselves with its scent without any pressure.
  2. After a few days, you can start engaging with your cat. Remember to go slow and let your cat determine the pace. Place a tasty treat on top of the wheel, and if your cat eats it, praise and encourage them. Do this several times so that they start to develop a positive association with the wheel. Doing this will help them become familiar with and less wary of the wheel over time.
  3. Give your cat the opportunity to explore the cat exercise wheel on their own. Even if they don’t show much enthusiasm, reward them with plenty of praise and encouragement — this will let them know they’re doing a great job!
  4. You can also start using a wand toy or a laser pointer to encourage your cat to run on the wheel. But remember: never pressure your cat to use the exercise wheel! Your cat may not run on the wheel right away, and that’s perfectly okay. Just let them take it at their own pace

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About the Author

Growing up in rural New England on a small scale farm gave me a lifelong passion for animals. I love learning about new wild animal species, habitats, animal evolutions, dogs, cats, and more. I've always been surrounded by pets and believe the best dog and best cat products are important to keeping our animals happy and healthy. It's my mission to help you learn more about wild animals, and how to care for your pets better with carefully reviewed products.

The Best Cat Exercise Wheels: Reviewed and Ranked FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Do cats actually use exercise wheels?

Yes and no. All cats have their own unique personalities and personal preferences. Some cats enjoy using an exercise wheel, while others avoid or ignore them. Higher energy breeds like Bengals and savannahs, often enjoy using an exercise wheel, but it really just depends on the individual cat.

How do you get a cat used to an exercise wheel?

Most importantly, never force your cat to use the exercise wheel. It is important to remember that rushing them or trying to make them run as fast as possible will only cause problems. Getting your cat used to their new exercise wheel takes patience and lots of positive reinforcement. The key is to let your cat build up their confidence, so they can safely enjoy running on their exercise wheel.

How long does it take to train a cat to use an exercise wheel?

It entirely depends on the individual cat. Some cats figure it out on day one, while others may take a few weeks, or even one to two months to get used to the idea.

Thank you for reading! Have some feedback for us? Contact the AZ Animals editorial team.