Cat running machine - instructions for making it yourself

Many pets are accustomed to leading an active lifestyle. At home, a loving owner needs to monitor the physical health of his pet. As it turns out, it's not just hamsters or chinchillas that need a running wheel. Recently, such a simulator has found its use among cat owners.

DIY running wheel for cats

Who needs it?

A running wheel is a kind of exercise machine, which is primarily needed by active domestic cats. Space in apartments is quite limited and animals do not have the opportunity to express all their energy. If you prevent an active pet from playing, then over time he may become lazy and spend most of his time sleeping or at the food bowl.

Passive individuals have an increased risk of gaining excess weight, which, in turn, can lead to serious health problems. A running wheel will be an excellent alternative to free-ranging on the street for natural predators.

Among all cats, representatives of the following breeds are distinguished by activity:

• Abyssinian;
• Somali;
• Egyptian Mau;
• savannah;
• Bengal;
• oriental;
• Siamese;
• Ocicat.

However, this does not mean that only these animals will like the simulator. Any cat can be active, regardless of its breed.

Advantages and disadvantages

Running wheels for cats have both advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider the advantages of such a simulator.

• The wheel allows you to organize leisure time for your pet. Individuals who like to run around the apartment in the mornings and nights will no longer bother tired owners and wake them up.
• The health benefits for cats are undeniable. For lazy individuals, periodic jogging allows you to maintain normal weight and not gain fat. Active pets will be able to splash out their energy at any time. Exercise also helps maintain muscle tone.
• Exercising on a treadmill not only allows you to maintain normal weight and train muscles, but also has a beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system and lungs.
• In many wheel models, the inside is lined with carpet and can serve as a scratching post for your pet.

As for the disadvantages, they are not so significant for running wheels. Let us highlight the main disadvantages of the simulator.

• Ready-made models are quite expensive . However, on the Internet you can find ready-made drawings and instructions for making such wheels, which will save money.
• Some exercise machines are quite large and are only suitable for large rooms.
• Not all cats are ready to immediately appreciate all the advantages of a running wheel. The owner sometimes has to spend a lot of time to accustom his pet to the exercise machine.

Running wheels are not suitable for all cats. And it's not always about the animal's temperament. If the cat has any injuries or illnesses, training on the simulator may not be acceptable.

House for a cat made of a cardboard box and a T-shirt

To create such a house for a cat, you will need to find an empty cardboard box from household appliances or something else. If you don’t have it at home, you can always ask your friends, since most people keep containers from their equipment until the warranty on the device is valid. In a desperate situation, you can ask a department store for an empty box. They are definitely in stock there and the seller will easily provide it.

So, the box has been found. Now you need to get out of the closet the T-shirt that will be used in making the house. You will also need a pillow of a suitable size, but it should not be too high so that the cat can easily climb inside the house and get out when necessary.

Manufacturing proceeds according to the following algorithm:

1. All folds and seams in the box are sealed with tape to give it strength.
2. A pillow is placed inside.
3. The box is covered with a T-shirt so that the neck serves as the entrance.
4. At the bottom, the material is neatly folded and fastened with a stapler.
5. Now the comfortable house for the cat is ready. Its creation does not take much time, and the pet will have its own place to rest.

Important! If necessary, the interior surface of the house can be cleaned by simply removing the pillow and treating it with a vacuum cleaner.

If the craftsman’s imagination is well developed, then the finished structure of the house can be designed to suit your taste and in accordance with the interior into which you plan to fit it. Decorative ribbons, flowers, bows and other elements that are glued to the surface of the T-shirt with a heat gun can help with this.

Varieties

All running wheels have the same operating principle. Ready-made models of exercise equipment for cats primarily differ in size, material of manufacture and appearance.

Wheels can be of different diameters: small designs are designed only for kittens , and therefore after the animal grows up, they will become unnecessary. Large exercise machines are more practical and will come in handy, especially if there are several cats living in the house.

As for materials, they can be very different. The most commonly used materials are wood, plastic and metal. Simple kitten models can also be made from cardboard . Wood is considered the most versatile option in this case.

Let's consider these options.

• Wood is initially an environmentally friendly material and will not cause allergies in animals or other inhabitants of the house. Typically, exercise machines made of wood are quite lightweight and can be easily moved to a new location. Also, wooden models will fit well into almost any interior.

• Plastic wheels are lightweight and small in size. However, such structures cannot be called reliable and durable. They are quite unstable, and if any part of the simulator breaks, replacing it will be extremely problematic.

• Metal models are the heaviest, but at the same time they are stable and reliable. Moving the structure to a new location will be a little problematic. But the likelihood that the wheel will quickly fail is extremely small. Typically, such models are made to order or independently, if you have experience working with welding equipment.

• Cardboard wheels can hardly be called a full-fledged exercise machine. Such models are designed exclusively for kittens and small breed cats. With a high probability, animals will use the product for other purposes and, instead of training, will prefer to tear off pieces of cardboard from it.

Several materials can be used for manufacturing. At home, you can make a wheel of the desired size and characteristics.

As for the design, there are open and half-closed types of wheels. In open models, the wheel has no side walls. Semi-closed options imply the presence of one partition. Open exercise machines rotate due to rollers, which are mounted on a stand located under the wheel. In closed models, the rotation mechanism is located on the side, so such simulators are considered more stable.

Types of complexes

For small pets, there are such house designs that are easy to make with your own hands using available materials:

• A hammock is a soft lounger that can be placed in any room of the house. If there is not enough space, then it is quite possible to hang it under a table or chair. This version of the lounger is attached on four sides so that the animal does not fall out while it is inside.
• A bed is the simplest type of housing for a pet. In this case, it can be made from any fabric and filling, which will help save money on production. They can be performed in any form that the owner likes. The simplest bed is a stand with a mattress on top.
• A kennel is a house with walls and a roof that will reliably close your pet from the outside world. Many cats love privacy, and some need shelter to hunt from there, and the booth will be just such a structure.
• Built-in houses are made of furniture. For this option, you can adapt a bedside table, inside which the cat will live, and on top the owner of the house can place the necessary things. The inside of the house is upholstered in soft fabric and equipped with a comfortable bed.

The complexes are the most expensive and at the same time expedient purchase for your graceful, handsome man. Such adaptations are always made taking into account three characteristics of cats - the instinct of a hunter, the love of climbing in high places and the absence of boredom. There are the most original and unexpected combinations of complexes.

The more complex and higher the device itself, and the greater the number of options for placing parts, the longer the interest in the complex of your home hunter will be. For example, Pet Salon, Trixie and others, it would seem, take the very essence of the cat as the basis for various complexes.

How to choose?

When choosing a running wheel, first of all you need to take into account the amount of free space in the apartment that can be allocated for installing the exercise machine. You also need to consider the number of cats in the house, their height and weight. For a large number of animals or for a large pet, massive, stable, semi-closed models are best suited.

Veterinarians recommend not using wheels with a diameter of less than one meter. The width of the path should not be less than thirty centimeters. Otherwise, the animal may damage its spine while exercising on small exercise machines.

When purchasing a finished model in a store, you must carefully inspect the entire structure. A product made of low-quality materials or with poor fastenings can, at best, not last long, and at worst, cause injury to your pet.

The inner surface of the wheel should not be slippery. It is best if it is covered with carpet or felt. Exercise machines differ in appearance and can be of different colors, so you can choose the right option for any interior.

How to do it yourself?

Running wheels for cats are just beginning to gain popularity in Russia. The prices for such simulators are quite high, and it is not always possible to find a product in a small town. You can, of course, order a wheel from an online store, but then you won’t be able to first inspect it for defects and will have to take the seller’s word for it or the description on the website.

If you have the necessary materials and tools, you can make the simulator yourself. It won't take much time and won't cost much. The easiest way would be to make a wooden wheel. To make it you will need the following materials and tools:

• wood grinding machine;
• thick sheets of plywood;
• carpet or felt;
• tape measure and rope;
• construction pencil;
• bolts and nuts;
• Miter saw;
• small wheels;
• construction adhesive;
• wooden slats and beams;
• fasteners;
• knife and drill;
• bearings.

How to make it yourself

If you are not afraid of work and want to try your hand, you can make a simulator for your pet yourself. We'll tell you what you need for this and how to do it.

Materials and tools

To make a simple standard wheel you need to stock up on: plywood, steel profile, bearings, wooden barrel, boards, wire or nylon thread, bolts, nuts, paint for coating. As for tools, a wrench, a tape measure (sewing tape measure), a drill, a jigsaw or its manual equivalent, a piece of sandpaper can be found in the arsenal of every skilled owner, but a welding machine may need to be purchased or borrowed.

detailed instructions

1. Frame to support the wheel. A rectangular frame made of steel profile must be made using a welding machine. On the long side of the rectangle, it is necessary to weld the crossbar approximately 10 cm from the edge. Then a pair of posts are welded to the crossbar at an angle of 30 or 45 degrees, which are necessary to attach the hinge.
2. Making a wheel. To do this, it is necessary to cut off part of the barrel and bolt the boards together for structural strength. We cut out a part for the drum from plywood: we make a circular marking, the diameter is slightly smaller than the inner side of the narrow part of the barrel, and we cut out the circle with a jigsaw. The boards need to be cut along the outer diameter so as to make grooves for the cross.
3. To the structure you must first attach a circle of plywood in the center, and then the cut base of the barrel, securing it with bolts.
4. We attach the drum to the hinge so that it rotates freely, but does not wobble.
5. Installation and fastening. You need to choose a free corner, away from fragile and dangerous objects. A wall with a battery or next to firmly standing objects is perfect. Several holes are drilled in the wheel stands, through which the simulator can be connected to a stable, stationary object using a wire. This will help prevent you from tipping over while driving.

A cat will approve of a well-made exercise machine and will use it often.

Author of the article Bogdanova Ekaterina Dmitrievna Rate the usefulness of the article 0 Using these ratings, we make the site better

How to accustom an animal to a simulator?

Many cats are distinguished not only by their activity, but also by their innate curiosity. These pets are happy to explore new objects on their own. In this case , additional training on how to use the simulator will most likely not be required, and the cat will master the wheel on its own.

However, not all domestic cats will be ready to take the initiative in learning the running wheel and will be reluctant to learn something new. In any case, before you begin any active actions and try to put your pet on the wheel, you need to give him some time to get used to the simulator. Let the animal independently approach the object, examine and sniff it.

To draw attention to the wheel, you can place your cat's favorite toys next to it or directly in it. You can lure your pet to the simulator using a laser toy. In order for the animal to independently take a few steps inside the drum, you can attach a toy to the side surface.

After the first movements in the wheel, the cat may get scared and run away. Under no circumstances should you scold your pet for this. Usually within a week the cat gets used to the simulator and willingly begins to use it. There is no need to expect or demand from an animal that it runs on a wheel for a long time, since cats have nothing in common with hamsters or squirrels.

To learn how to make a running wheel for cats from cardboard, see below.

Depending on the breed, cats can be active or passive. Some sleep for almost a day, only interrupting for food, while others have a hunting instinct that forces them to be very active. Such cats need to splash out their energy every day. In small apartments there is not much room for animals to run around, and the owners are unlikely to be delighted with an animal endlessly jumping on the walls and windows. Therefore, a running wheel is simply necessary for such pets.

Exercise machine for happy cats and their nervous owners

One Fast Cat - exercise machine for cats In a world where sedentary work at the computer has become the generally accepted norm, regular visits to the gym are so necessary that they have even become fashionable. We are sure that you have also noticed an unprecedented surge in interest in training among some of your friends. Moreover, sports owners even force their pets to exercise. Exercise machines for cats are a new hit in online sales. One Fast Cat – a simulator for cats Even the cutest cat with its claws cut remains a predator. Somewhere in the depths of your furry soul. In the wild, cats are also not averse to spending half a day on their bellies (even though they don’t have a comfortable sofa for this purpose), but the remaining time from rest is spent hunting. And this is a significant physical activity, the need for which is inherent in nature itself. House purrs do not need to hunt, but the need for bursts of activity remains. So it is expressed in overturned flower pots, torn wallpaper, walking past the tray and other acts of protest. In the worst case, the animal may even become depressed. To ensure that the tailed cat remains in good health, and the owner has intact nerve cells, designers offer a special simulator for cats. One Fast Cat - a simulator for cats The designers did not reinvent the wheel. Although they took one of his spare parts as a basis. The One Fast Cat cat trainer is a large wheel in which cats are encouraged to run as much as they want. Just like their smaller brothers - hamsters. One Fast Cat - a simulator for cats Running on a wheel, according to the creators of One Fast Cat, is no different from running “in the wild.” The inside of the “treadmill” is covered with EVA material (foamed polyethylene with the addition of ethyl vinyl acetate), which protects the pet’s claws. But cats naturally release them while running, for better grip on the ground. At the same time, the design of the wheel trainer does not involve spokes, which also contributes to the safety of the animal. One Fast Cat – a trainer for cats The inner covering can be easily replaced with a new one as it wears out, and the trainer itself can even assemble a “teapot” without any problems. If he agrees to have an oversized accessory for the benefit of his pet. One Fast Cat - a simulator for cats On the Internet you can already find many videos with cats who, not without pleasure, train on One Fast Cat. Pet owners comment that it takes their pets some time to get used to the gift. But, just like in a real gym, once the “client” gets involved, it’s not easy to tear him away from the machine.

A cat exercise machine will not only keep your pet in good shape, but will also entertain the four-legged dog while the owner is away from home. By the way, for the same purpose, caring owners buy special robots for pets.

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Benefits of a running wheel

In fact, the simulator will be useful for a cat with any character. Energetic animals will be able to run around in it to their heart's content, and calm ones will be able to shake out their fat a little. The problem of excess weight is especially acute in castrated and sterilized cats. For them, the wheel will be an effective way to lose a couple of extra pounds. The owner should remember that obesity in an animal is also fraught with problems with the heart and joints, just like in humans. In addition, your pet will appreciate the original design of the wheel. He will clearly enjoy the activity - depression will go away and his mood will improve.

You can make a running wheel for cats yourself. Self-production will allow you to save not only a decent amount of money (from 10 to 25 thousand rubles), but also as a result you will get an original design that no one else will have. However, before you start purchasing materials, you should study the information about what the wheel should be like so that the cat likes it.

What you need to know about the running wheel

For the “cat simulator” to be successful, it is not enough to have all the necessary tools and preparations. It is important that the cat likes the final design. To do this, it must meet the following requirements:

• Large wheel diameter. The cat will not have to bend its body unnaturally if the size of the circle allows it to keep its back straight. In pet stores you can find wheels with a height of 80 and 120 cm, but this is not the limit. If, for example, a Maine Coon is going to jog in it, then the diameter of the wheel can be made even larger.
• Non-slip interior coating. If a cat’s paws constantly move while running, then she will definitely soon get tired of this activity. In the best case, the animal will simply jump out of the simulator, and in the worst case, it may twist its paw. So the ideal covering would be carpet or felt.
• Wheel structure. If the cat is very active and passionate, then a running wheel with an inner wall is best suited for him. It will be able to prevent the animal from “flying out” while running, and coordinate its trajectory of movements.

Description and functions

One of the items that will help diversify the life of a mustache is a running wheel for cats. At specialized sales points you can find several models of cat simulators. All of them are a round rotating object, namely a wheel of different types and sizes, with individual features in the form of lining and other details. The models differ according to the following main parameters:

1. Dimensions of the simulator. Despite the fact that there are certain standards (800 and 1200 cm), you need to choose a wheel according to the size of your pet. Veterinarians and experienced cat owners recommend buying a simulator “with a reserve”, that is, more than necessary. In it, the pet will not only feel more comfortable, but will also avoid skeletal deformities.
2. Inner covering material. The covering can be anything (felt, carpet), as long as the paws do not slip. Tenacious durable fabric surfaces will prevent possible injuries to the limbs.
3. Design features. Some models are equipped with an additional inner wall. This type is perfect for young and active pets, whose excitement makes them forget and accelerate to such an extent that flying out of the simulator is inevitable.

You can either purchase a running wheel or make it yourself. Using the accessory will help your pet lose excess weight or prevent its appearance, strengthen muscles and joints, and prevent the development of diseases associated with lack of active activity. In addition, it will be possible to prevent domestic chaos and destruction caused by young, active and playful cats.

How to make a trainer yourself

There are many photos and videos with different DIY cat wheel options. This article will provide several step-by-step instructions.

Method one

This option will be quite difficult for craftsmen who have never cut into a bearing or installed rollers. More experienced craftsmen will be able to figure it out without difficulty, since photos are posted as tips.

To work you will need:

• plywood;
• Miter saw;
• rail;
• rollers;
• pencil;
• Dremel;
• centimeter;
• bearing;
• beam;
• rope;
• fasteners;
• carpet;
• drill;
• glue;
• sander;
• bolt with nut;
• pipes;
• knife;
• double sided tape.

The sequence of actions can be divided into seven stages:

• Creating a foundation. Two circles of plywood with a radius of 46 cm are cut out, which will be the base of the wheel. They are connected to each other using bars.

• Manufacturing of slats. The slats are glued around the end part. For greater strength they are secured with straps.

• Installation on rollers. Two semicircular stands are equipped with two rollers on both sides, on which the running wheel will subsequently be installed. It is due to them that the simulator will rotate.

• Wall installation. Another circle is cut out of plywood and glued to the support. In the future, a bearing will be attached to it.

• Axle placement. Since the running wheel rotates on an axis consisting of a bolt with a bushing, to install it it is necessary to strengthen the insertion point. To do this, a plywood square is glued to the back side of the wall, and a gear is placed in front. A hole is drilled in the center.

• Making a stand. It is made from a support and bars made in the form of a rack. Two boards are fixed on it, into which bearings are installed.

• Gluing the track. A strip of carpet is cut along the width of the wheel. It should be glued with double-sided tape.

Method two

This option requires the presence of a welding machine, and the manufacturing algorithm is a little simpler than the previous one. To make a running wheel for cats with your own hands according to the instructions you will need:

• steel profile;
• plywood;
• wooden barrel;
• boards;
• bearings;
• wire;
• fasteners and wrench;
• welding machine;
• dye;
• drill;
• jigsaw;
• roulette.

The sequence of actions consists of three stages:

• Creating a frame on which the wheel will be attached. To do this, you need to weld a rectangular frame from a steel profile. Immediately on the long side, retreating 10 cm from the edge, weld the crossbar. Also attach two hinge posts to it through welding at an angle of 30-45 degrees.
• Making the running wheel itself. Cut off part of the barrel. To prevent the boards from falling apart, they need to be bolted together. Cut out the back wall for the drum from plywood. The circumference should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the narrow part of the barrel.
• Assembly of the structure. Attach the drum to the hinge so that it can rotate freely. This should be done so that the wheel rotates only forward and backward, and does not sway left and right.

House made of wire and T-shirts

To create such a shelter, you will need 2 pieces of wire 50 cm long, an old T-shirt, but without holes, a piece of cardboard of the required dimensions, pliers, pins and tape.

Advice! Instead of wire, you can take 2 wire hangers. With their help it is easier to create the correct shape of the house.

First you need to take pieces of wire, shape them into arcs and connect them together in the center. The connection is made using tape. For the safety of the pet, the hangers or wire are completely wrapped with tape.

Since the piece of cardboard has cut edges, they can be slightly refined by decorating them with tape. The edges are covered with tape on all sides to ultimately achieve a neat look. This design also contributes to greater strength. Holes are made in each corner of the cardboard, the diameter of which is approximately the same as the thickness of the wire. You should not make them close to heaven, as the material will quickly tear.

After the completed steps, the finished frame is installed on a cardboard base, its ends falling into the holes. In this case, the frame should not fall out of the holes, but should hold firmly. The ends of the wire on the reverse side are bent, but so that a sufficient part remains for complete fastening.

Next, we take the finished tent and place it on a flat surface. It is necessary to determine whether the frame is installed smoothly and how securely the house itself is designed. Be sure to pay attention to the fastening. If something seems wrong, it should be corrected at this stage of installation.

After leveling the frame of the house, an old T-shirt is put on it so that the collar becomes the entrance, and the sleeves can be tucked under the bottom. At the bottom of the sleeve, the T-shirt is secured with threads or pins.

Important! The fabric should be sufficiently stretched without sagging.

Inside, on the bottom of the house, you can put a soft pillow or a blanket folded in several layers to make it soft and comfortable for your pet to be inside. The cat will definitely appreciate such an original house.

Who would like a cat exercise machine - a running wheel?

Cats, like people, differ in character and temperament: some can spend the whole day on the couch, others need constant movement.

Passive cats play reluctantly, sleep 20–22 hours a day, are calm and slow. Active ones clearly demonstrate the hunting instinct, restlessly rush around the entire apartment, play a lot and noisily, splashing out their energy. In this they differ little from their wild relatives: in nature, such cats can cover a distance of more than 10 km at night in search of food. If every day your pet wakes you up in the morning with noisy running around, joyfully pounces on every new toy, jumps on furniture, then this definitely means that you are the happy owner of an active breed of cat. A running wheel will come in handy in a home where representatives of active breeds such as Siamese, Bengal, Abyssinian, Kurilian Bobtail, Egyptian Mau, Balinese and others live.

Cat in a running wheel

City apartments are cramped for such cats, they limit their hunting territory, so tailed fidgets endlessly run around the house, jump on windows and curtains, damage furniture, causing trouble for the owner. It is especially difficult for pets if the owners do not have the opportunity to take the cat for a walk. Cats may begin to mark their territory at home by running restlessly around the rooms. The simulator will help calm the animal and redirect attention.

The treadmill wheel is very popular in Europe, and this exercise machine has recently appeared on Russian shelves.

Now it can be purchased at any pet store, which allows every owner to take care of the health of their cat, or to make it themselves.

Benefits of a running wheel

A treadmill is similar to a human treadmill. It helps the cat lose excess weight, strengthen the cardiovascular system, muscles, and lungs.

The wheel will be useful for overweight cats and will help them get into good physical shape. Spayed and neutered cats are most susceptible to overeating. As in humans, this can lead to serious heart disease, metabolic disorders, and stress on internal organs and joints.

Together with proper nutrition, such a simulator will allow your cat to stay healthy and lose extra pounds.

The simulator can replace a scratching post. The inner covering is made in such a way that the cat can rest on it with its paws. The animal will use the running wheel when it is bored or the owner is not at home. If there are several cats in a family, then the simulator will be an excellent play complex for them.

Running on a wheel allows your cat to burn off some energy.

What types of running wheels are there for cats?

The operating principle of all running wheels is the same. The main difference is in the design and material used. Exercise machines are usually made of wood, plastic, metal or corrugated cardboard. Each material has its own positive qualities and disadvantages.

Wood is the most versatile, environmentally friendly and natural material for making cat running wheels. Most often, products made from light plywood are offered. For its basis, trees such as birch, walnut, oak, and pine are taken. The wooden exercise machine will fit perfectly into the interior of the apartment and will delight your pet every day. If you want to make a homemade wheel from wood, then keep in mind that it must first be treated to prevent rotting and its condition must be monitored.

The weight of a wooden exercise machine is from two kilograms or more

The plastic wheel is light in weight and easy to assemble at home. It is convenient to clean, but like any other thing made of plastic, such a simulator can quickly break down and repairing it will be problematic.

The plastic wheel looks aesthetically pleasing

The metal wheel is reliable, stable, durable, easy to clean, but most often it is solid and bulky, so it is inconvenient to transport. Such products are most often made by the owners themselves in home workshops.

A metal wheel is more reliable than others, but also heavier

A cardboard wheel is perfect for kittens and light weight cats. It is much easier to assemble than wood or plastic, but quickly becomes unusable. Many cats like to use cardboard objects as scratching posts, so sometimes paper scraps form next to this simulator

Cardboard wheel may not last long

Table. Comparative characteristics of materials for making wheels

Some craftsmen use a combination of different materials to create a wheel. The resulting hybrid options are with a base made of plywood or iron and a running part made of corrugated cardboard.

By design, the wheels are either open or semi-closed. The first option assumes that the cat can enter the wheel from any side. In the closed type, one side is adjacent to the wall and is completely closed. Depending on the design option, a rotation mechanism is installed. In the open type, rotation is carried out by rollers under the wheel itself on the bottom of the stand. Such a wheel is less stable and can “walk” slightly under the weight of the cat. In the closed type, the mechanism itself that allows the wheel to spin is located on the side and allows the structure to maintain balance. If the pet is too reckless and energetic, then if he loses coordination, the side wall will be able to align his trajectory and will not allow him to fall off the wheel.

To make the cat “spin on the wheel” more actively, some models are equipped with various teasers in the form of a laser beam or a toy mouse. It is better to make such toys removable so that the cat does not get used to them.

There is a special coating inside the exercise machine to prevent the cat's paws from slipping while moving. It can be carpet, rubber, felt, foam mat. The modern market offers a choice of wheels with a wide variety of designs:

• with different wheel shapes (round, polygonal);
• with different designs for the back wall;
• different colors;
• running wheels built into play complexes;

A large play complex will give your cat a lot of positive emotions

Description and types of complexes

List of necessary materials for the kitty corner:

• rectangle made of fiberboard (40*122 cm);
• rectangle made of chipboard (44*61 cm);
• 2 rectangles made of chipboard (55*44 cm);
• rectangle made of chipboard (44*30 cm);
• wooden slats - 7 pieces (3*4*37 cm);
• pipe with a diameter of 110 cm, length 60 cm;
• 2 wooden blocks;
• rope diameter 11 mm, 15 meters in length;
• thin fabric or rope for an inclined climbing frame;
• self-tapping screws;
• 2 pieces of rectangular foam rubber (44*30 and 33*36 cm);
• heat gun;
• faux fur (2 square meters);
• toys;
• jigsaw;
• saw;
• screwdriver;
• drill;
• compass;
• stapler for furniture;
• roulette;
• sharp scissors;
• sandpaper;
• pencils or chalk.

First you need to cut out rectangles of the required size from fiberboard and chipboard. In the rectangles that are set aside from the wall, make truncated circles with a radius of 26 cm. To do this, draw a figure with a compass, which will then be cut out. It is best to make drawings on paper in advance.

We only need one circle. To enter the house on the right, make a circle. Dimensions: 21 cm in diameter.

Before you start assembling the house, you must:

1. Unbend the hangers without damaging them. If there is such a need, bite off the uneven edges with nippers. Then the wire from the former hangers is given the appearance of an arc.
2. Cover the cardboard with tape. Firstly, this will make the cardboard base denser and more stable, and secondly, it will improve its appearance. If necessary, you can still use the same tape to glue two sheets of cardboard together for greater strength.

The play complex is a structure consisting of beds, houses, scratching posts, toys and other elements for cat relaxation and entertainment.

There are three types of such structures:

1. Floor. The most common. All parts are fixed on a stand so that the complex can stand on the floor. It is relatively flat and compact: all the elements are arranged in a row and create a kind of “wall”.
2. A spatial play complex for cats is a tall, long and wide structure, a kind of small town. The elements are arranged in several rows. There are models in which individual parts are attached to the ceiling. The design is appropriate for spacious houses or apartments in which several pets live.
3. Wall. It can be wooden, consisting of ladders and shelves, or fabric. Attached to a door or wall, it cannot stand on its own.

The most common elements of gaming complexes:

• houses;
• posts (aka climbing frames);
• cylinders;
• scratching posts;
• open areas;
• hammocks;
• slides;
• ropes (kittens love them more than adult animals);
• toys (hanging or spring-mounted).

Some structures have stairs, but cats don’t particularly like them, and the frequent steps can cause injury to the animal.

How to choose a running wheel in a store?

When choosing a wheel, first of all, you need to pay attention to its size so that your pet feels comfortable. A standard wheel for medium-sized cats is considered to be a simulator with a diameter of 80 cm or more, but veterinarians advise not to skimp on the length and to purchase a wheel of 1 m or more so that the cat does not have to bend its body unnaturally and does not injure the spine. The optimal width of the treadmill is 30-40 cm.

You should pay attention to the inner shell of the simulator, on which the animal will not slip when moving. The best option for covering a cat wheel is carpet or felt.

Wheels can be solid or prefabricated. When ordering a simulator through an online store, they will send you a prefabricated wheel, which you will need to assemble yourself, piece by piece. The price for such a device varies from 10 to 25 thousand rubles. The simulator can be ordered both from Russia and abroad from individuals or in various stores.

DIY running wheel for cats

Cat owners often make exercise equipment for their pets with their own hands. The most common option is wooden running wheels. You can find many models of wooden exercise machines online. Most often, birch plywood or chipboard is used. Let's look at some designs.

Wooden running wheel

Model No. 1. Wooden running wheel

To make this model you will need the following materials and tools:

• plywood;
• Sander;
• double sided tape;
• rope;
• roulette;
• Miter saw;
• rollers;
• knife;
• rail;
• fasteners;
• bolts with nut;
• Dremel;
• pipes;
• bearing;
• glue;
• beam;
• pencil;
• carpet

Stage one . We will need two plywood circles with a diameter of 92-100 cm. We connect them together with bars.

Start of wheel production

Stage two. We glue the slats for the running drum around the circumference.

The process of making a running wheel requires some carpentry skills

Stage three. Cut out two semicircular platforms for the stand. For an open type of simulator, we make a rotation mechanism on a stand: we install two rollers on both sides, due to which the wheel will move.

The wheel runs on a bearing

Stage four. If you plan to make an open type of wheel, then the middle part of both plywood is cut out, and the mechanism is installed from below. All that remains is to glue the carpet to the inside. The wheel is ready. If you want to make a closed type, then cut out only one of the walls. To create a rotation mechanism, look at the following steps.

Stage five. The wheel rotates on an axle, which consists of a bolt with a bushing, so you need to increase the space for its installation. A square of plywood is glued to the back of the wall, and a decorative gear is placed on the front.

The gear can be cut out with a jigsaw or bought at a hardware store

Stage six. Let's make a stand from two boards, a support and bars for the stand. The boards themselves have pre-installed bearings.

Manufacturing and fastening of the wheel support

Stage seven. We make an internal path from carpet. You can attach it using double-sided tape or glue.

Carpet scraps can be purchased cheaply at the construction department.

Stage eight. A protective coating is applied to the finished simulator. Assembly is complete.

Model No. 2. Wooden running wheel with steel profile

There can be several variations of running wheels for cats

This version of the simulator assembly requires a welding machine. The manufacturing procedure is a little simpler than the previous one. To create a wheel you will need:

• steel profile;
• plywood;
• welding machine;
• boards;
• fasteners and wrench;
• jigsaw;
• bearings;
• wooden barrel;
• dye;
• wire;
• drill;
• roulette.

Stage one. First, the steel frame is welded: for this it is necessary to weld a rectangular steel frame onto which the wheel is attached. At a distance of 10 cm from the edge, weld a steel crossbar on the opposite side. Using a welding machine, weld two platforms for connection at the crossbar site at an angle of approximately 30-45 degrees.

Stage two. The base for the running drum is round, so it is not easy to make it by hand. A wooden barrel is best suited for these purposes, but it is advisable to bolt its boards together in advance so that they do not fall apart. For the closed wall of the wheel, cut a plywood base. It should be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the barrel.

Stage three. Having dealt with the drum and the back wall, you can begin assembling the structure of the treadmill, painting the drum with paint in advance. We connect the bushing and the drum with bolts so that the wheel can rotate freely without deviation to the left or right.

Model No. 3. Running wheel based on a bicycle one

Bicycle wheel for cats

The running wheel, which operates like a bicycle wheel, can support the weight of two adult cats and can be installed on any surface. The wooden drum has a diameter of 100-110 cm. Using the same principle, you can make a metal wheel with your own hands using a welding machine.

Reliable design, but requires metal welding skills

Model No. 4. Cardboard running wheel

This version of a homemade simulator is the simplest and most economical; assembly takes much less time. To work you will need:

• corrugated cardboard;
• glue or double-sided tape;
• professional knife for cutting cardboard;
• scissors;
• a rag made of cotton fabric;
• carpet

Stage one. Cut out a rectangular area for the stand. Glue perpendicularly with three pieces of cardboard, curved under the wheel area. Pre-cut identical holes on the sides of the curved parts for the rollers, close the structure on both sides.

Cardboard blank

Stage two. Attach the roller to the sleeve on one side and push it through the holes in the structure, placing the bolts on the sleeve so that they come into contact with the cardboard. Put on the second video. Perform the same operation on the other side of the rack.

Stage three. Prepare the covering surface of the structure by first wetting it with a wet cloth. Separate the skin of the cardboard from its main part. As a result, we get a soft surface that rests quietly on the edges of the structure, completely covering it from above.

Stage four. We cut out four identical rings with a diameter of 46 cm and a thickness of approximately 3-4 cm. Place the first pair of rings on top of each other and use the soft part of the separated corrugated cardboard, placing it along the entire inner diameter. Place the remaining pair of rings on top of the cardboard.

The work is moving towards completion

Stage five. We connect the resulting wheel to the stand and glue the carpet track with double-sided tape. The wheel is ready!

Video - Cardboard cat trainer

Video “Self-made house”

When you want to buy a treadmill for personal use, you come with the understanding that a good model is quite expensive. Buying an inexpensive one, repairing it, and then replacing it anyway ends up being even more expensive. On the other hand, a full-fledged replacement for a factory simulator will also require a decent investment.

We recommend: “House Fit Treadmills”.

• Lower cost, especially if you have the materials at home or can get them “cheaply”.
• With correct calculations and implementation, the effectiveness of the classes is comparable.
• A feeling of pride and self-sufficiency not only when using it, but simply when looking at your creation.
• Originality plus the ability to optimize the design, shape and size to suit specific needs.

Minuses

• Labor-intensive and time-consuming to manufacture, especially if in a hurry important points are missed and you have to redo it.
• Difficulty finding specific materials.
• Inability to contact a service center for repairs or professional advice.
• Limited functionality.

We recommend: “Treadmill for buttocks.”

If you still decide to do it, then further information will help you.

Just ideas, because the main advantage of a homemade treadmill is that it is built to suit individual needs. The final look and implementation will depend on the master, and you can choose the sizes and materials yourself.

“Abacus” track

This is a primitive, but at the same time effective option. Almost anyone can make it, literally from scrap materials. Something similar was used in the design of the very first treadmills, exercise bikes, and automobile testers of the early twentieth century. Remember what the accounting accounts of the Soviet period looked like - a rectangular frame with transverse knitting needles between two long sides, and round knuckles strung on them.

Same principle here:

1. We knock down a rectangular frame from wooden blocks or weld a rectangular frame from a metal profile, the length of which will be sufficient for a normal running step.
2. We prepare a sufficient number of rollers to form a “web” (you can take identical sections of steel or metal-plastic pipes, or old bearings).
3. Inside the rectangle or on top we attach cross-bars with a circular cross-section in such a way that the rollers placed on them are as close to each other as possible, but without touching.

We recommend: “How to pump up your butt on a treadmill.”

The smaller the diameter of the rollers and the closer the rows, the more comfortable it will be to run. It is highly desirable that the sideways displacement of the rollers be minimal!

1. We add small legs to the frame, and the front pair should be slightly higher (alternatively, the side guides can be made curved, then the vector of movement of the legs will be directed along a downward parabola).
2. Be sure to install handrails in front or on the sides.

A special feature of this type of treadmill will be a reduced load on the joints and ligaments of the legs and an additional load on the upper shoulder girdle - in order to walk or run normally, you will definitely have to lean on the handrails.

We recommend: “Buy a HouseFit treadmill.”

This is also a roller track that “works” due to friction and gravity, but with a belt, like on classic exercise machines. It is safer, and the movement is uniform. Once you get used to it, you can run without leaning on your hands. Here it is possible to use rollers of larger diameter, the main thing is not to forget to tighten all the rollers with rubber or special cloth, like the caterpillar of a tractor (tank). People with experience advise when arranging such a simulator to use the outer rollers of a larger diameter than the rest.

Interesting! A similar treadmill is used by a female inventor from Russia. Moreover, he uses it not only for running, but also for charging home gadgets by connecting an analogue of a dynamo to the front roller, which generates electricity during training.

The two previous options have the same drawback - it is difficult to control the speed on them, while the electric treadmill is designed to set the desired pace. The design principle is similar, but the essence is different:

• The front and rear rollers have a much larger diameter.
• The rear one is connected to a chain, belt, cardan or gear drive driven by an electric motor (you can use an internal combustion engine, but definitely not in an apartment or private house, which negates all the advantages of a home exercise machine).

We recommend: “TOP 2021 treadmills.”

• You will definitely need support “skis” on the frame so as not to start the engine while standing on the canvas (it can burn out), and not to jump on and off, but to train calmly and safely.
• You can do without intermediate rollers, but you will need a support deck and thicker (durable) blade material.

This type of treadmill provides for the presence of an electrical network, lubrication, and protection systems against breakdowns, short circuits and injuries. Over time, a homemade simulator can be equipped with useful “tricks” - a speedometer, speed relay, and so on. Naturally, doing everything yourself, at home, will not be easy, but that’s the point!

Buy a treadmill at an affordable price

The owner of this cat is a jack of all trades. We invite you to watch a video that shows the drawings of the complex and the structure itself, made with your own hands.

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What do you think - are cat climbing frames a cat's whim or a necessity? If you don't have a cat climbing frame, then you might just lose your peace and patience in the constant struggle to keep your furniture and walls safe. When a cat lives in the house, then such an item is very necessary for her, and for you as well.

I remembered the times when it was fashionable to decorate walls with carpets. And those who kept cats at home could often watch how their ward happily not only hung on it, but also sharpened its claws. And as a result, an expensive and scarce (in those days) thing on the wall eventually turned into a tattered rag of wool.

Later it became fashionable to cover walls with vinyl wallpaper. They are soft and porous, which was noticed by felines. And here it was already possible to observe the tattered corners up to the ceiling. I think most cat owners are familiar with this. Yes, me too.

But not only your furniture, but also the animal itself can suffer from boredom and unsatisfied instincts. Due to the abundance of food and lack of exercise, our cats, which can lead to many diseases.

And all cats love to contemplate what is happening from top to bottom. It's in their blood. In the wild, a leopard, for example, spends most of its time in trees. He even deals with his prey on the branches.

In my opinion, there are enough compelling arguments to purchase a cat climbing frame. It will just help satisfy such cat needs.

We invite you to read: How to make dog hair more beautiful

A house with a periscope and a scratching post for the cat Ryzhik.

Option using PVC pipe with a diameter of 100 mm.

How to train a cat to ride a wheel?

Don't expect your cat to spin a wheel all day long, like a hamster or a squirrel. The respiratory system of a cat is designed in such a way that it can withstand maximum load for 30-40 seconds. This is exactly how much it takes for a cat in the wild to catch its prey. They spend the rest of their time tracking and lying in wait for their prey. To understand the delights of running in wheel to wheel, the cat needs to get used to and examine the new furniture, not be afraid of the noise and movement of the wheel itself.

The first step is to move your games that you usually play to the area of ​​the wheel or to the room where it is located. Use a laser, mouse, bell, or other teaser to get your cat to step onto the treadmill several times. It will take 2-3 days to get used to the simulator. Hang the toy on the side of the drum, above the cat's reach. In pursuit of the toy, the cat will make several movements and the wheel will begin to rotate. If this works, then after 10-15 seconds let the cat take possession of the toy. If the cat gets scared of the wheel and jumps out of it, then you need to continue playing near the simulator without rewarding the cat with a toy.

Physical activity is extremely important for cats

Over time, your pet will get used to the wheel and playing inside it. Do not forget that at the end of the hunting game the cat must get what she wants. Veterinarians advise not to keep your cat constantly excited and to give it rest between games to regain its strength.