DIY running wheel for cats: video, instructions on how to make

How to make a simulator yourself?

There are a lot of options for making a running wheel yourself; just make a request in a search engine to make sure of this. We propose to consider two methods that differ in their complexity.

First option

You will need:

A piece of plywood of the required size, a strip of appropriate length, a block.
Drill, dremel, grinder, miter saw, clamps.
Rollers, bearing.
Fasteners, bolt and nut.
Rope, double-sided tape.
Carpet.
Glue, pencil, tape measure, knife.

The first thing to start with is making the base. You need to cut a couple of circles from a plywood sheet with a recommended radius of 46 cm (the size is selected individually for each pet). These parts will be the basis of the structure. They should be connected using bars.
You need to glue the slats prepared in advance to the end side and tighten the structure with belts for reliability.
You will have to cut a couple of semicircular stands from a plywood sheet and attach rollers to them, two on both sides. The running drum will be installed on them at the final stage. The rollers must allow the wheel to rotate.
After this, you can begin installing the wall. It must first be cut out of a plywood sheet. The wall must be glued to the support.
Before installing the wheel axle, which is a bolt with a bushing, its location must be strengthened. A small square piece of plywood should be glued to the back of the wall, and a gear should be placed on the front side. Then, having determined the center, you can drill a hole.
After installing the wall, you can start working on the stand. It is made in the form of a stand from pieces of timber. Two crossbars are installed on the stand, and bearings are embedded into them.
Having finished with the stand, you can glue the felt or carpet. Double-sided tape or glue will work here.

Second option

Plywood sheet, board, barrel of wooden boards, steel profile.
Welding equipment.
Drill, jigsaw.
Bearings, fasteners, wrench.
A piece of wire, tape measure, paint.

The first thing to be done is to mount the frame; the running drum will be installed on it. To do this, you will need a steel profile, from which you need to weld a frame in the shape of a rectangle. On the larger side, ten centimeters from the edge, a crossbar should be welded, onto which a pair of hinge posts should again be welded at an angle of thirty to forty degrees.
Once the frame is ready, you can start making the wheel. To do this, you have to cut off a part of the required size from the barrel. The boards must be secured with bolts, otherwise they will fall apart. The back wall of the running drum is made of plywood and is slightly smaller in size than the bottom of the barrel.
The final stage is the combination of structural elements, that is, assembly. The running drum is mounted on a hinge so that it can rotate easily and does not vibrate. The movement of the element should only be forward or backward, but in no case to the sides.

If, when making a running wheel for your pet yourself, you take into account all the necessary requirements and recommendations, ensure its reliable fastening, eliminating the risk of injury to the animal, rest assured that you will give an excellent gift to your pet, and he will be happy to train there, improving his health.

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:

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:

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.

Regardless of whether the running wheel for cats is made with your own hands or purchased in a specialized store, it must be securely fastened

This is important so that when the cat jumps, it doesn’t knock over the structure and injure itself.

If the running wheel is made according to all recommendations and securely fixed in the house, you can be sure that it will become one of your mustachioed pet’s favorite places to spend active time.

Useful video on creating a cat wheel from cardboard:

Cats, depending on their breed, have different temperaments. Some are calm and slow. These are passive breeds, such as Persian, Ragdoll, Selkirk Rex, Exotic Shorthair, etc. They are reluctant to play and move little. Their complete opposite is active breeds, such as Siamese, Abyssinian, Balinese, Kurilian Bobtail, etc. They are very energetic, have a well-developed hunting instinct and need constant movement. A running wheel will help such pets.

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.

Step by step instructions 4

Attach the foam to the inside walls of the large box using tape.

Insert a small box like a nesting doll.

Place non-synthetic rags at the bottom. Do not use wool, as it strongly absorbs moisture. The best option is a fleece blanket.

Wrap the house in thick, waterproof film. Tape all seams with wide tape to avoid drafts.

In the corner of the structure, cut a 15x15 cm exit. As you know, a cat crawls through a hole if its head passes through. A small hole is necessary to retain heat. Secure the edges of the hole with tape.

Make a foundation of bricks or boards - the house needs to rise above the ground for additional insulation from cold and water.

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 models for kittens 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.

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

Material	Advantages	Flaws
Tree	Reliability, durability, aesthetics	Heavy weight, requires care
Plastic	Light weight, easy to assemble and clean, transportable	Fragility
Cardboard	Light weight, easy to assemble, transportable	Rapid wear
Metal	Easy to clean, no assembly required.	Heavy weight, non-transportable

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

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.

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.

"High-rise"

Singles value places at altitude most of all. This makes it easier for them to inspect their possessions. The house can be placed on a warm windowsill or nailed to the wall. For small pets, it is enough to make a structure on a leg with a height of 15-20 cm.

Purchase:

plywood (12 mm) size 75x50 cm;
poles made of timber 50x70 cm (total 4.2 m);
carpet on jute base 1x2.5 m;
rope 20 m;
corners 15x20 mm, 40x45, 55x20, 35x40 and a pair of large ones for attaching to the wall.

Before you begin, create drawings and dimensions for proper fabrication.

Do-it-yourself computer desk: 150 photos of making corner tables and features of the choice of materials
DIY ottoman - step-by-step guide to the best homemade ottoman options (video + 125 photos)
Coffee table: simple and stylish design options and design ideas for coffee tables (115 photos)

How to make a hammock for a hamster with your own hands at home

Thinking about what can be done for hamsters, the owners decide to make a hammock for their pet. A hammock can be made from high-quality yarn or fabric.

A warm and soft hammock will be made from yarn. Using a hook, the fabric is knitted with a single crochet, and ties are also made. If knitting needles are used, then the same fabric is knitted in stockinette stitch. The disadvantage of such a hammock is its fragility, since the animal can chew a hole.

Note! You can take a piece of soft but durable fabric and sew ties to it to hold the hammock in place. Many people use an old mesh washcloth. A washcloth is tied to a crossbar on the ceiling of the cage

The washcloth is tied to a crossbar on the ceiling of the cage.

Hammock made from washcloths

A loving owner knows well what his pet needs. He will take into account all the details when working on a homemade running wheel. If your pet does not run in a wheel, you need to be wary. The fixture may be poorly made and needs to be replaced. Sick and elderly hamsters become less active. If a young animal refuses to run, it means that he is sick and should be taken to the veterinarian.

Photos of interesting cat houses/complexes

Living next to us for years, cats become not only pets, but members of the family. I want to create all the conditions for comfort for them, so the owners are trying, coming up with more and more new devices/designs. We have collected several interesting ideas in this section.

Different approaches for different numbers of cats, but interesting ideas

Compact “high-rise building” Shelves for cats - the name is clearly no coincidence...

Making a cat bed in the form of a bookcase is an interesting idea. Just like a cat climbing frame from a stepladder Cat-bedside table...

It’s not cold... Hammock near the radiator

When the window sill is too narrow... For lovers of high places. The cat will be happy Wall-mounted hammock - comfortable and safe (for cats and cats) Security guards...

It's very easy to organize a hammock

Combination of cat shelves with hammocks... Almost a work of art

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

Regardless of whether the running wheel for cats is made with your own hands or purchased in a specialized store, it must be securely fastened

This is important so that when the cat jumps, it doesn’t knock over the structure and injure itself.

Useful video on creating a cat wheel from cardboard:

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

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.

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.

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.
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.
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.
We attach the drum to the hinge so that it rotates freely, but does not wobble.
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.

What you need to know about the running wheel?

The larger the wheel size, the more comfortable it will be for the animal.

It is important to choose the dimensions of the drum so that the cat can keep its back in a natural position, and not bend it in an arc, trying to fit into the structure. The smallest is, perhaps, 80 cm. But you need to focus on the specific size of the animal

For representatives of large breeds (Chausie, Maine Coon, Savannah, etc.), the size of the running space should be much larger. The inner covering of the drum should not slip under the cat's paws. Otherwise, the pet may lose interest in the simulator or, even worse, get injured. The most optimal option is a felt covering or low-pile carpet. The inner wall of the running drum is optional, but for active, energetic cats it is still recommended to have one. This is insurance against “crash” during active movement. In addition, it helps coordinate the trajectory of movement

But you need to focus on the specific size of the animal. For representatives of large breeds (Chausie, Maine Coon, Savannah, etc.), the size of the running space should be much larger. The inner covering of the drum should not slip under the cat's paws. Otherwise, the pet may lose interest in the simulator or, even worse, get injured. The most optimal option is a felt covering or low-pile carpet. The inner wall of the running drum is optional, but for active, energetic cats it is still recommended to have one. This is insurance against “crash” during active movement. In addition, it helps coordinate the trajectory of movement.

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.

Factory wheels will look great in any interior

How to do it yourself?

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.

First of all, on sheets of plywood it is necessary to mark the boundaries of two circles that will serve as a frame for the future simulator. It is desirable that the diameter of each be at least one meter. Next, you need to cut out two circles and fasten them together at a distance of at least thirty centimeters using bars.

The bars, in turn, are fastened to the plywood using a screwdriver, glue or ordinary nails. The empty cavity between the circles needs to be closed and this is done by gluing slats around the circumference of the wheel. To make the structure stronger, the slats are tied with a thick rope or belt.

When all the elements of the wheel are glued together, you will need to cut out one or two sides, depending on the type of future structure. Next, you need to make a stand with wheels and attach it either to the side wall of the drum or directly under it.

To make the stand you will need two small pieces of plywood in the shape of a semicircle. A pair of rollers are installed on both sides, which will rotate the structure. For a semi-closed design, it is necessary to make a special axle for rotation and attach it to the side wall of the wheel.

The finished wooden structure must be coated with a special compound that prevents wood from rotting. The inner surface should be finished with felt or carpet. You can attach pieces of material with double-sided tape, but it will be more reliable to use glue.

Photo with dimensions

No matter how much we talk about the design of a cat house, the best way to understand the dimensions is by drawings with dimensions. If you look at them carefully, you will notice a solid run-up. This is understandable - there are large and small cats, and accordingly the size of the cat's house will be larger/smaller. You can adjust them yourself depending on the size of your pets or the available space.

Photos of cat houses with dimensions

Three options for cat corners with sizes

The height of the presented structures is quite large - 180 cm and above, but you can reduce it by removing floors that you think are unnecessary. All these dimensions can be taken as a basis to develop your own layout and put down approximate dimensions. Having the drawing in hand, you can begin purchasing materials and manufacturing.

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.

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

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.

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.